The Hindu : New Delhi News : CBI to go for web-enabled system

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Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008
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CBI to go for web-enabled system

Staff Reporter

The aim is to complete the investigations within a year from 2009 onwards

Tie-up with the National Informatics Centre
Cost of upgrading computer network Rs.70 lakh

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation has undertaken a major technological advancement and overhauling exercise that will facilitate increased efficiency and online supervision of developments of the cases. According to CBI Director Ashwani Kumar, the aim was to complete the investigation of cases within a year from 2009 onwards.

The agency has tied up with the National Informatics Centre for speedy and effective computerisation. It has roped in experts to develop a wide area network with secure virtual private network that will be established by next month. While the web-enabled system will work on indigenously developed software, the network will be insulated from any unauthorised access using sturdy firewalls and anti-intrusion mechanisms. The agency is spending about Rs.70 lakh to upgrade the computer network. The online investigation and supervision system will become operational by June 2009.

Apart from installing more computers, the organisation will provide 480 laptops and 1,038 mobile phones to investigating officers to facilitate speedy probe. The tech-savvy officers will be able to instantly update developments in any case using laptops and they will also have a web-based conference facility. It will also help supervisory officers keep a close track of all the developments, which would eventually help bring in transparency and raise the quality of probe.

Through adoption of state-of-the-art technology and qualitative training, the CBI aims at becoming a world class investigating agency. Concerned about certain shortcomings in the system, it is doing some serious introspection to identify the areas requiring urgent attention. The agency had recently got a study done on the Central Forensic Science Laboratory seeking recommendations for improvement. It has also hired a consultant to revamp the legal division.

Realising that the emerging challenges in the field of investigation has warranted a practical approach, the CBI Academy has decided to do away with training modules that do not serve the purpose of preparing officers for a quality probe. The trainees are no longer required to do parades, rigorous physical training or arms drills. The emphasis is on inculcating intellectual discipline and ensuring general physical and mental fitness.

The tech-savvy officers will be adept at various activities like unarmed combat, driving and swimming. They are no more required to wear uniforms. The Academy has approached the institutes focussed on specific areas for imparting specialised training. While inaugurating a five-day training programme for journalists here on Monday, the CBI Director said the prime goal of the overhauling exercise was to reengineer the agency into a futuristic investigating organisation.

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