As of June 30, 2025, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is facing a significant staffing shortage, with 28% of its posts lying vacant. This translates to 541 unfilled positions out of a total of 1,901. The information was shared by junior home minister Nityanand Rai in the Lok Sabha in response to a question on Tuesday.
The vacancies exist across various ranks within the NIA. Specifically, 77 positions for inspectors, 93 positions for sub-inspectors, and 54 positions for assistant sub-inspectors are currently unoccupied.
The NIA is the premier counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in India. It was established in 2009 in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, with a mandate to investigate and prosecute offenses affecting the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India. These offenses include terrorism, Naxalism, and other national security threats. Given the agency's crucial role in safeguarding the nation, these vacancies could pose challenges to its operational efficiency and effectiveness. It is essential that the government addresses this issue promptly to ensure that the NIA can continue to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.