Government sanctions over 60% manpower boost for Enforcement Directorate

The Union Finance Ministry sanctioned a sweeping cadre restructuring of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday (May 27, 2026), expanding its current strength by almost 60% from 2,029 to 3,256 posts. The agency’s Executive cadre will nearly double from 1,229 to 2,288 posts.

The most dramatic changes have been approved in the Executive Cadre, which forms the operational backbone of the ED. While special directors remain unchanged at seven, additional directors have increased from 10 to 24; joint directors from 28 to 49; and deputy directors from 148 to 267.

The sanctioned strength of assistant directors has been revised from 255 to 531, more than double the previous strength; enforcement officers from 355 to 606; and assistant enforcement officers from 425 to 803, nearly doubling the sanctioned posts. These three posts are key to investigations.

Legal cadre strengthened

The ED’s legal cadre, which handles prosecution and legal advisory functions, has also been strengthened. The additional directors (prosecution) have been increased from one to seven; deputy legal advisers from 7 to 18; and assistant legal advisers from 18 to 36.

An adjudication wing, which earlier had only one special director-level officer, has been created afresh. The newly sanctioned posts include two additional directors; three joint directors; five deputy directors; and 10 assistant directors.

The systems cadre, which includes one system analyst and 11 scientific technical assistants, has seen revisions in pay levels.

In the ministerial cadre, a new post of Internal Financial Adviser has been created and assistant directors increased from three to six; superintendents from 20 to 30; senior translators remain unchanged at seven; and assistants increased from 57 to 65.

The security cadre comprises posts of senior sepoy, revised from 209 to 273 personnel; and sepoy, unchanged at 70.