National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) – Highlight, Objective

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a renowned governmental organization in India, is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of compiling and analyzing crime data in accordance with the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL). Headquartered in New Delhi, the bureau functions under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.

Candidates aspiring to appear for the IAS Exam can find detailed information about the NCRB’s structure and key aspects in the linked article, providing valuable insights for their preparation as the insights of the report can be helpful while writing answers for society and governance section in UPSC GS 2

National Crime Records Bureau

Founded in 1986, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) stands as India’s primary authority for collating crime-related data. Its mandate involves the collection and examination of information pertaining to offenses delineated in the Indian Penal Code and Special and Local Laws. The NCRB’s significant contributions include the publication of annual reports encompassing crime rates, accidental fatalities, suicides, and prison demographics, which serve as pivotal references for law enforcement agencies, scholars, and policymakers.

In addition, the bureau maintains accurate monthly crime and anti-human trafficking data and operates an identity-authentication connection for government agencies. The NCRB’s various initiatives play an important role in identifying trends in criminal activity,  enabling law enforcement to create effective strategies to protect the country and its citizens from evolving threats.

Evolution of National Crime Records Bureau

• The NCRB department was founded in 1986 by the Indian government to monitor data on criminal activities, analyze crime patterns, and assist in formulating policies for effective law enforcement. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the nation’s security.
• It was formed by merging the Inter-State Criminals Data Branch, Directorate of Coordination and Police Computer (DCPC), and Central Finger Print Bureau of CBI.
• Over time, the NCRB has introduced advanced systems such as the Crime and Criminal Tracking Networking System (CCTNS) in 2009.
• Additionally, the Digital Police Portal was launched by the NCRB in 2017.

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)- Objectives

NCRB has numerous objectives that help the county maintain data and reports of Indian criminals. To these objectives, many Indian agencies monitor criminal activities. In the following, we have added some the important point.

• The main goal is to establish a national fingerprint database for all criminals in India.
• It leads and coordinates the development of IT applications for the police force.
• The bureau collects information and maintains statistics on crime and criminals at the national level.
• It focuses on creating and managing a national-level database for law enforcement agencies.
• The NCRB guides and supports the functioning of the State Crime Records Bureau and provides training to its personnel.
• It serves as the national repository for fingerprint records of convicted individuals, including foreign criminals.
• The bureau regularly updates central and state governments with official records and findings about any case.

Highlights of Crime in India 2024 Report

• India’s 2024 crime report indicates a slight overall decline of 0.56% compared to 2023.
• Despite this, concerns remain, as rape cases increased by 1.1% and kidnappings surged by 5.1%.
• Urban areas continue to experience higher crime rates than rural regions.
• The report attributes the overall decrease in crime to a more visible police presence, improved law enforcement, and growing public awareness of crime prevention.
• However, challenges persist, such as the need for enhanced police training and additional resources to support law enforcement efforts. Theft remains the most common crime, followed by robbery and assault.
• The states with the highest crime rates are Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Bihar.
• While progress has been made, the report emphasizes the importance of continued public awareness and stronger collaboration between law enforcement and the community to address ongoing issues.

Highlights of Crime in India 2023 Report

In the below points National Crime Records Bureau Report 2023. You should read them.

• In 2022, there was an increase in various types of crimes compared to the previous year.
• Crimes against women saw a rise, with a majority of cases involving “cruelty by the husband or his relatives,” followed by “rape and robbery of women,” “attack on women with intent to cause harm,” and “rape.”
• Incidents of crimes against children also increased.
• There was a slight decrease in the number of cases involving youth in conflict with the law.
• Crimes against the elderly showed an increase in registered cases in 2022.
• Cybercrime incidents recorded an increase, with fraud being the most common, followed by extortion and sexual abuse.
• Overall, there was a decrease in case registrations compared to the previous year, particularly in cases related to “violation of orders duly declared by officers.”
• Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal had the highest rates of violations under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
• Metropolitan cities such as Kochi, Patna, and Kozhikode had the highest number of prosecutions for IPC offenses, with Delhi reporting the highest number of theft cases.
• Delhi recorded an average of three rapes per day, making it the most unsafe city for women in India.

Government of India’s Initiatives to Combat Crime

• Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2018: Enforced stricter sentencing, including the death penalty for rape of girls under 12, and mandated investigations and trials completion within two months.
• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB): Central in gathering, analyzing, and publishing crime data, aiding policy-making and police strategies.
• Modernization of Police Force: Enhancing infrastructure, equipment, training, and technology integration to modernize law enforcement and crime prevention.
• Specialized Squads: Creating dedicated units within police for specific crimes like cybercrime, anti-trafficking, and crimes against women and children.
• National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO): Introducing a comprehensive database to track convicted sex offenders.
• One-Stop Centers (OSC): Establishing nationwide centres offering integrated services to female victims of violence.
• Emergency Response Support System: Implementing a unified emergency response system with the universal number 112.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: A bill replacing the IPC of 1860, introducing provisions to combat organized crime, terrorism, and harsher penalties.

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