Centre authorises over 60 pc workforce increase for ED to boost operational efficiency
New Delhi, May 27
The Central government on Wednesday sanctioned more than 1,200 additional investigators and staff for the Enforcement Directorate, marking the first major restructuring of the anti-money laundering agency in 15 years which is aimed at enhancing its operational capacity.
The Finance Ministry authorised the workforce to grow from 2,029 to 3,256, strengthening the core investigation team.
The increase includes 803 Assistant Enforcement Officers, 606 Enforcement Officers, and 531 Assistant Directors of Enforcement, as per a notification.
This restructuring aims to strengthen the Directorate's implementation of laws such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.
The restructuring will improve the Directorate's enforcement of laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.
The 70-year-old agency implements the criminal provisions of two stringent laws -- the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), in addition to the civil sections of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
The origin of ED goes back to May 1, 1956, when an 'Enforcement Unit' was formed in the Department of Economic Affairs for handling Exchange Control Laws violations under Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947.
This Unit with Delhi as Headquarters was headed by a Legal Service Officer, as Director of Enforcement, assisted by an Officer drawn on deputation from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and 3 Inspectors of Special Police Establishment. There were 2 branches - at Bombay (now Mumbai) and Calcutta (Now Kolkata).
In 1957, this Unit was renamed as 'Enforcement Directorate', and another branch was opened at Madras (now Chennai).
In 1960, the administrative control of the Directorate was transferred from the Department of Economic Affairs to the Department of Revenue.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good step, but I hope this doesn't become another tool for harassment of small businesses. The PMLA is already quite strict. Need proper safeguards and training for these new officers. Balance is key. 🤔
As an outsider, this seems like a substantial boost. India is serious about tackling economic crime. The increase from 2,029 to 3,256 is significant—hope it's matched with proper systems and oversight. 🇮🇳
बहुत अच्छा! ED needs all the help it can get to go after big fish like those in the coal scam and 2G cases. But let's also see some convictions—not just raids and headlines. Accountability works both ways. 👍🙏
Impressive restructuring for a 70-year-old agency. But I'm curious—will these new posts focus on major economic offenders or will they also target common folks? The FEMA violations can be tricky. Clarity needed.
More manpower is welcome, but the real test is execution. We've seen many agencies get staff but not results. Hope the ED uses this to clear pending cases and bring fugitives to book. Time will tell. 😕
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