New Delhi: The Union Finance Ministry has approved a comprehensive restructuring of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cadre, significantly expanding its manpower and operational capacity. The decision, cleared on May 27, aims to strengthen the agency’s enforcement and investigative framework.
Under the new restructuring plan, the ED’s total sanctioned strength has increased from 2,029 to 3,256 posts—an expansion of nearly 60 percent.
Executive Cadre Nearly Doubled to Boost Operational Efficiency
The most significant changes have been made in the Executive Cadre, which forms the core of the agency’s investigative operations.
Key revisions include:
- Special Directors: Remain unchanged at 7
- Additional Directors: Increased from 10 to 24
- Joint Directors: Increased from 28 to 49
- Deputy Directors: Increased from 148 to 267
- Assistant Directors: Increased from 255 to 531
- Enforcement Officers: Increased from 355 to 606
- Assistant Enforcement Officers: Increased from 425 to 803
These posts are considered critical for investigations under laws such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
Strengthening Legal and Prosecution Framework
The restructuring also significantly boosts the legal cadre responsible for prosecution and advisory functions.
Revised posts include:
- Additional Directors (Prosecution): Increased from 1 to 7
- Deputy Legal Advisers: Increased from 7 to 18
- Assistant Legal Advisers: Increased from 18 to 36
Officials said the move is aimed at improving the agency’s legal preparedness and court-related efficiency.
New Adjudication Wing Expanded for Faster Decision-Making
A dedicated adjudication wing has also been strengthened under the new structure. Previously limited at the top level, it now includes:
- 2 Additional Directors
- 3 Joint Directors
- 5 Deputy Directors
- 10 Assistant Directors
This expansion is expected to streamline adjudication processes in enforcement cases.
Support, Technical, and Ministerial Cadres Also Expanded
The restructuring also covers administrative and technical support roles.
- System Cadre: Pay revisions for analysts and technical assistants
- Ministerial Cadre: Internal Financial Adviser post created; Assistant Directors increased from 3 to 6; Superintendents from 20 to 30; Assistants from 57 to 65; Senior Translators unchanged at 7
- Security Cadre: Senior Sepoys increased from 209 to 273; Sepoys remain unchanged at 70
Focus on Stronger Enforcement Under PMLA and FEMA
Officials said the restructuring is primarily aimed at enhancing field-level investigation capacity under key laws such as PMLA and FEMA.
The increased manpower at operational levels is expected to improve efficiency, speed, and effectiveness in handling financial crimes and cross-border economic offences.
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