New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the re-designation of the post of Deputy Secretary in NATGRID, presently held by Raghav Gupta, IRS (IT: 2012), as Director, with effect from the date he assumes charge. The tenure of the post will continue up to May 31, 2027, completing the five-year period allowed under the Central Staffing Scheme.
The decision was made as a personal measure for Shri Gupta, whose central deputation tenure with the Ministry of Home Affairs commenced on June 1, 2022.
About Raghav Gupta
Mr Gupta is a 2012-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the Income Tax cadre, currently on deputation to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Known for his expertise in international taxation and financial crime investigation, he is the first Indian to join the panel of instructors at the OECD International Tax Crime Academy.
Early Life and Education
Native of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and an alumnus of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School in Kanpur.
Graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi in 2009.
Completed Master’s in Taxation and Business Laws from NALSAR University, Hyderabad (2014–2017).
Holds Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT) and Advanced Professional Certificate in International Taxation (APCIT) from IBFD, Amsterdam.
IRS Gupta cracked the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2011 with AIR-102, and his diverse academic background underpins his multifaceted civil service career.
Professional Career
Early IRS Postings
Mumbai (Initial Posting): After induction training in Nagpur, Gupta served in Mumbai for five years, handling corporate and non-corporate assessment, investigation, and vigilance assignments.
Deputy Director of Income-tax (Investigation), Kanpur (2019–2022): Managed high-profile cases, including Benami transactions, Black Money investigations, and inquiries linked to the Paradise Papers leaks.
Deputation to Ministry of Home Affairs
Deputy Secretary, NATGRID (June 2022–2026): Oversaw national intelligence integration and financial investigations.
Re-designated as Director (January 2026–May 2027): The MHA order elevates his responsibilities in NATGRID, aligning with his expertise in financial crime and international cooperation.
International Recognition
OECD Academy: First Indian officer to join the expert panel of instructors at the OECD International Tax Crime Academy, delivering training on Beneficial Ownership and International Cooperation to global officials.
Advanced International Taxation Credentials: Completed APCIT and ADIT programs, enhancing his global expertise in taxation and financial investigations.
Academic, Training, and Social Contributions
Trainer at LBSNAA, IITs, and other institutions, teaching public speaking, communication, and technology in tax administration.
Advisory member of the ERDS Foundation, working on Great Indian Bustard conservation.
Wildlife Conservation Photography: Acclaimed photographer with recognition from the Natural History Museum (UK), ZSI, Mangrove Foundation, and publications in India Post, BNHS Hornbill, Sanctuary Asia, among others.
Other Interests: Amateur astronomer, poet (published in Sahitya Akademi’s Indian Literature), Egyptology enthusiast, and educator in wildlife and environmental awareness.
Gupta’s unique combination of administrative acumen, international expertise, and social contribution makes him one of India’s distinguished civil servants bridging governance, global standards, and citizen engagement.
Significance of the Re-designation
The re-designation to Director in NATGRID not only recognizes Gupta’s professional expertise in taxation, financial crime, and investigation, but also aligns with the strategic needs of the Ministry of Home Affairs, where NATGRID integrates intelligence for national security.
Role of NATGRID
The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is a key intelligence and security organisation under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It integrates data from multiple databases to assist law enforcement and intelligence agencies in counter-terrorism, national security, and crime prevention.
