New Delhi, Jun 9 (PTI) Online public feedback received on improving the functioning of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) highlighted the need to introduce strict timelines for completing investigations and implement independent audits to strengthen trust in the agency.

The agency, in a statement on Tuesday, said the findings were part of a nationwide public outreach campaign hosted on the Union government's MyGov platform, as part of the 70th anniversary of ED’s establishment.

The feedback process titled 'Inviting Suggestions on Improvement in the Functioning of ED,' was conducted from April 30 to May 30 and generated "valuable" public feedback. The ED said it received 2,340 views and 876 submissions from citizens.

"Several constructive suggestions emerged from the public consultation process," it said, mentioning some of the key suggestions received from the public.

These suggestions include introducing strict timelines for investigations to ensure faster case disposal, implementing independent audits, oversight mechanisms, and accountability systems to strengthen public trust and creating a secure whistleblower and anonymous reporting system with strong protection measures.

Other feedback includes using AI and Big Data analytics to detect money laundering and financial fraud faster, developing a digital case and a complaint-tracking portal for greater transparency and strengthening inter-agency data sharing and coordination with banks, FIU, RBI, GST, and police, it said.

Suggestions were also received on the establishment of fast-track courts for PMLA, FEMA, and major economic offences, recruitment of specialised experts such as CAs, forensic auditors, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals, and conducting regular training and technology upgradation programmes for ED officers.

The ED said that most of these suggestions and expectations from the general public are under various stages of implementation and will be further strengthened.

Another online suggestion titled taking a 'Pledge on Financial Integrity' also saw participation, with the highest 43 per cent from individuals in the 20-45 years age group.

The ED said the multi-activity initiative sought to enhance public awareness regarding the agency's history, mandate and functioning and to encourage greater citizen participation in promoting financial integrity and combating financial crimes.

The ED was established on May 1, 1956, initially as an 'Enforcement Unit' in the Department of Economic Affairs to handle violations of exchange control laws. A year later, in 1957, the unit was renamed the Enforcement Directorate.

It functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. PTI NES KSI KSI