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I feel privileged and honoured, in associating myself with
this event, organised in honour of the founder Director of
CBI, late Shri D.P. Kohli. The credibility and trust that
the agency enjoys today and its growth into a multi-disciplinary
investigating agency is largely attributed, also, to his vision
and efforts.
Shri Kohli wanted that the outstanding performance of Constables
and Head Constables in investigations, should be duly recognised
by the institution of an award. The same is given each year
on the occasion of the memorial lecture in the name of Shri
Kohli.
This year`s distinguished awardee is the late Shri Vijay
Pal Singh. He is being conferred this award, posthumously,
for his outstanding contribution in working out some of the
high profile cases. Shri Singh was a highly competent Constable
and this is a fitting recognition of the disciplined, dedicated
and sincere services rendered by him to the Organisation and
the cause of justice. It is truly sad, that such a promising
young career was cut short by his accidental death on duty.
In this worthy effort of recognizing services rendered, the
present Director of CBI, Shri Mishra has taken further initiative
to honour today the former CBI Directors for their rich contribution
in making CBI a credible institution. I compliment the present
Director for the initiative.
I would also like to take this opportunity to assure officers
and staff of the CBI that the Government would take all necessary
measures to enhance the efficacy of the Agency and to strengthen
the enthusiasm, initiative and enterprise of its staff. The
Government will ensure that the CBI will soon have its own
Headquarters building. The proposal of the CBI to grant 25%
special allowance to CBI officials upto a certain rank shall
be taken up by me with the Hon`ble Prime Minister.
The choice of Shri Somnath Chatterjee, Hon`ble Speaker of
the Lok Sabha, as the Chief Guest for the 6th memorial lecture
in the name of Shri Kohli is a befitting one. The topic of
the lecture, "Parliamentary Democracy in India - Present
and Future" is highly relevant. Shri Chatterjee is a
veteran Parliamentarian, distinguished lawyer and constitutional
expert. His presence amongst us is a great honour and privilege.
he system of democracy is not new to India. It was being
practiced in this land from many a millennia. The Rig Veda
mentions the institutions of Sabha and Samiti. The rule of
the Lichavees and the practices in the janpad of Vaishali
are some of the better known examples of the practice of democracy
in Bharatvarsha. These institutions of ancient India took
collective decisions, after deliberations and debate, reflecting
in the best terms possible, the will of the people. The Parliamentary
democracy, in its present form, however, came with the adoption
of our Constitution almost 55 years back. At that time, even
though the population size was large, our Constitution makers
provided for universal franchise. The experience of these
years shows that the faith reposed in the people of this country
by our founding fathers has not been betrayed.
People, by and large, have exercised their right of franchise
with great maturity and a sense of responsibility. Governments
have been changed at the will of the people and even persons
with huge resources have been defeated at the polls. Indian
democracy has not only survived but has also flourished and
taken firm roots. 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments
have taken Indian democracy to the grass-root levels. Today,
our democracy is much more participatory and purposeful, as
is evident from the fact, that the people who were, not long
ago, considered downtrodden and deprived, are active participants
in the governance of the country. This is one of the most
significant achievements of our parliamentary democracy considering
the fact that a number of developing countries saw collapse
of democracy within a few years of its adoption.
The system has been buttressed by an independent judiciary
which has very effectively protected the rights and freedom
of the citizens and ensured the rule of law. Free Press in
our country has served as a powerful watchdog of the people.
The media has effectively ensured people's participation in
the democratic process by publishing news and various shades
of opinion and by providing a forum for people to air their
concerns and views. To further strengthen our democracy and
to suit the requirement of the changing times, we have also
created institutional mechanism to address some of the major
issues of concern to our polity and society. Various Commissions
have been created by the Parliament to meet the specific needs.
Adoption of Committee system in Parliament to ensure in-depth
consideration of matters and to secure greater administrative
accountability is another major innovation of our Parliamentary
democracy.
In a democratic polity, institutions that ensure transparency
in the public administrative setup are a necessity. Over the
years, the CBI has gained the trust not only of the executive,
parliament/legislature and judiciary but above all the people
of this country.
The country has made tremendous socio-economic progress.
We are fast emerging as a major economic global power. Our
international stature has also significantly grown and today
we are looking forward for a permanent seat in the Security
Council. These are by no means small achievements of a young
democracy. At the same time we should not be satisfied with
these achievements. We have to go a long way in attaining
the desired goal of providing social, economic and political
justice to all.
I have no doubt that the inner strength of our democracy
is sufficiently capable of handling the problems of our country.
This institution is our guarantee to a more satisfying future.
Once again, on this occasion, I extend to the CBI my heartiest
congratulations and wish the organization success in living
up to the expectations of the country.
Thank you.
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