Competition Commission needs more people, says chairman D K Sikri

NEW DELHI: Competition Commission as well as its investigation arm needs more people to strengthen their capacities, according to the regulator's chairman D K Sikri.

The watchdog, which keeps a tab on anti-competitive practices in the market place across sectors, has been grappling with manpower crunch.

Besides, many positions at its probe arm -- Director General ( DG) office -- are vacant.

Competition Commission of India (CCI) Chairman D K Sikri today said there is a need to build capacities at the DG's office and at the regulator.

The Commission refers cases, where there is prima-facie evidence of competition norm violations, to the DG for detailed investigations.

To address manpower shortage, CCI has been looking to recruit people and last year, the regulator increased the pay packet for experts and professionals hired by it.

Sikri, who took over as CCI chairman last month, was speaking at an event here organised by advocacy group CUTS International.

Competition Appellate Tribunal Chairman G S Singhvi said the tribunal does not have the benefit of having training from economists.

"Our brothers in the Competition Commission are theoretically benefited by the presence of economists. The tribunal has none," he noted.