States that have withdrawn their general consent to the CBI to probe corruption cases are selectively giving consent in cases that they want to be investigated by the agency, minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said at the CBI's investiture ceremony on Sunday. Till now, eight opposition-ruled states have withdrawn consent to the CBI in the last few years, alleging vendetta by the central government.
Expressing concern over certain states withdrawing their general consent to the CBI to investigate cases, but nevertheless holding on the prerogative to give selective consent where it suits them, Singh called for wider introspection by the polity, the society and the nation at large on whether this was the kind of propriety which was to be followed.
He emphasised that these state governments have to come clear and say whether they trust the CBI or not, or they trust it selectively. The minister called upon these state governments to rethink on the decision of withdrawal of general consent and reminded that many cases were also referred to the agency by the states under public pressure, which indicate that people have greater trust in the CBI. Similarly, complex and urgent cases are also assigned to the CBI by the judiciary on many occasions, he added.
According to the CBI's statement, Singh asserted that the Narendra Modi government was committed to uphold, preserve and strengthen the independence and autonomy of the agency and all such other investigating institutions. "Irrespective of ideological beliefs, it is the collective responsibility of all to strengthen institutions like CBI, as these institutions also contribute to strengthening the nation's resolve to achieve the ultimate goal of incorruptibility in society," the agency quoted Singh.
Singh awarded 47 CBI officials with the police medals for meritorious service. The gold medal for the Best Investigating Officer was awarded to DySP Seema Pahuja.
Speaking on the occasion, agency director Subodh Jaiswal said that CBI had identified 75 practices, which needed to be discouraged to enhance efficiency of the agency. CBI had over the years been able to achieve nearly 70% conviction rate, he said.
(With inputs from agencies)