Context
Recently, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released its annual “Crime in India 2024” report on May 6, 2026, which revealed a significant 6% decline in overall cognizable crimes across the country compared to the previous year. This report, highlights that while traditional crimes like murder and kidnapping saw a marginal dip, cybercrimes witnessed a sharp surge of nearly 18%, reflecting an evolving internal security challenge in the digital age.
1. About National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
- Establishment: The NCRB was set up in 1986 based on the recommendations of the Tandon Committee, the National Police Commission (1977-81), and a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Task Force (1985).
- Ministry: It functions as an attached office under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is headquartered in New Delhi.
- Objectives: It serves as a central repository for crime and criminal data to assist investigators and policymakers. It was formed by merging the Inter-State Criminals Data Branch, the Directorate of Coordination and Police Computer (DCPC), and the Central Finger Print Bureau (CFPB) of the CBI.
- Repository Role: It maintains the National Fingerprint Database of both Indian and foreign offenders and implements the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS).
2. Key Findings: Crime in India 2024 Report
- Overall Crime Rate: Total cognizable crimes stood at 58.85 lakh in 2024, down from 62.41 lakh in 2023. The crime rate per lakh population dropped to 418.9.
- Cybercrime Surge: A total of 1,01,928 cases were registered, marking a 17.9% increase. Approximately 72.6% of these cases were related to financial fraud.
- Crimes Against Women: There was a marginal decline of 1.5% (4.41 lakh cases). However, “Cruelty by Husband or Relatives” remains the leading cause of reported violence against women.
- Economic Offences: These rose by 4.6%, largely driven by forgery, cheating, and fraud (FCF).
- State Performance: Telangana reported a sharp rise in total crimes, while Nagaland continued to record the lowest crime rate in the country. Kerala maintained the highest charge-sheeting rate at 94.5%.
3. Major Digital Initiatives
- CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems): A Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan that interconnects over 17,000 police stations. It enables real-time data entry of FIRs and investigation reports.
- ICJS (Integrated Criminal Justice System): It integrates the five pillars of the justice system—Police (CCTNS), e-Courts, e-Prisons, Forensics, and Prosecution—to ensure seamless data transfer and faster trial processing.
- National Digital Police Portal: Provides a single-window interface for citizens to report crimes (especially cybercrimes against women/children) and for police to search the national criminal database.
4. Major Publications of NCRB
- Crime in India: The primary annual report on crime statistics.
- Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India (ADSI): Detailed statistics on unnatural deaths.
- Prison Statistics India: Annual report on jail populations, infrastructure, and prisoner demographics.
- Fingerprints in India: Data regarding the usage and efficiency of fingerprint technology in criminal identification.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):
1. It was established based on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption.
2. The Bureau is responsible for the implementation of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) in India.
3. The "Prison Statistics India" is an annual publication released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment using data from NCRB.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Solution:
• STATEMENT I INCORRECT: The NCRB was established based on the recommendations of the Tandon Committee and the National Police Commission, not the Santhanam Committee (which is associated with the CVC).
• STATEMENT II CORRECT: The NCRB is the nodal agency for the implementation and management of the CCTNS project across India.
• STATEMENT III INCORRECT: "Prison Statistics India" is an annual publication of the NCRB itself, which functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
