“CBI has emerged as brand for truth, justice,” PM Modi at agency’s diamond jubilee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Monday that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has evolved as a brand for justice, giving the common people hope and power.

Addressing the diamond jubilee celebrations of the agency the prime minister said, “CBI has given hope and strength to the common citizen. People hold protests to demand CBI inquiry as CBI has emerged as a brand for truth and justice.” 

The CBI was created on April 1, 1963, by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The Prime Minister stated in his address that the scope of the central agency has grown significantly, but the primary job of the CBI is to rid the country of corruption.

“India cannot move forward without professional and efficient Institutions like CBI. From bank frauds to wildlife-related frauds, the CBI’s scope of work has increased manifold but the main responsibility of the CBI is to make the country corruption free,” he said.

Against previous governments at the Centre, the prime minister stated that corrupt activities have undermined the foundation of our economy and banking system prior to 2014.

“Ten ago, there was a competition to do more and more corruption. Big scams took place during that time but the accused were not scared because the system stood by them… After 2014, we worked on a mission mode against root causes of corruption and hoarders of black money,” he said.

“Where there is corruption, the youth do not get proper opportunities. Only a special ecosystem flourishes there. Corruption is the biggest enemy of talent and it is from here that nepotism and ‘parivarvad’ get strengthened,” he added.

According to the Prime Minister, the government has secured maximum transparency in the systems, and the processes for allocating 2G and 5G spectrum show the government’s commitment to this. PM Modi stated that the country had experienced periods of incredulity and policy gridlock, but that the government’s primary priority since 2014 has been to restore, nurture, and enhance people’s faith in the system.

The prime minister stated that the CBI has acquired recognition as a ‘Multi-dimensional’ and ‘Multi-disciplinary’ investigation agency during the previous six decades.

“The CBI’s scope of work today, has widened to a greater scale; from metro cities to forests, from banks to wildlife protection, CBI has been investigating almost each and every aspect. Also, even cyber crimes are being dealt with by this agency,” he said.

“I know that the people against whom you are taking action are very powerful, they have been part of the government and system for years. Even today they are in power in some states, but you (CBI) have to focus on your work, no corrupt person should be spared,” the PM added.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister awarded the President’s Police Medal to 18 CBI officers for their outstanding service. He also presented three cops with Gold Medals for Outstanding Investigative Officers. The Prime Minister also dedicated newly built CBI office buildings in Shillong, Pune, and Nagpur.

PM Modi also issued a postage stamp and commemorative coin to commemorate the CBI’s Diamond Jubilee year. PM Modi also created the CBI Twitter account.