In a significant move to curb illegal activities in the realm of online betting, the Government recently imposed a ban on 22 illicit betting apps and websites. This decision came in response to a request from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), marking a pivotal step in the ongoing battle against economic crimes in India.
The Enforcement Directorate
Established in 1956, the Enforcement Directorate is a multi-disciplinary organisation headquartered in New Delhi. Operating under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, the ED plays a crucial role in enforcing economic laws and combating financial crimes within the country. The Directorate’s purview includes the enforcement of acts such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), and the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973, among others.
Key Functions of the Enforcement Directorate:
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA): The ED is entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing measures to prevent money laundering and combat related offenses.
- Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA): As a civil law, FEMA empowers the ED to investigate suspected contraventions of foreign exchange laws and regulations.
- Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1973: The ED enforces this act to regulate foreign exchange transactions and curb unauthorized activities.
- Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA): This act empowers the Directorate to attach the properties of fugitive economic offenders who have fled the country, allowing for the confiscation of their assets.
Director of Enforcement:
The Director of Enforcement is appointed by the central government based on the recommendations of a committee chaired by the Central Vigilance Commissioner. The tenure is up to five years, and other officers can be recruited directly or indirectly from various investigative agencies. The Directorate comprises representatives from the police, excise, customs, income tax departments, Indian Revenue Services (IRS), Indian Police Services (IPS), and Indian Administrative Services (IAS).
The Recent Crackdown:
The recent ban on 22 illegal betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro, showcases the ED’s proactive approach in addressing economic crimes. By taking stringent measures, the government aims to protect citizens from fraudulent activities while reinforcing the importance of legal and transparent financial transactions.
Conclusion:
The enforcement actions taken by the government, particularly at the behest of the Enforcement Directorate, underscore the commitment to maintaining the integrity of financial systems and protecting citizens from illegal activities. As technology continues to advance, regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant to stay ahead of evolving challenges in the digital landscape. The recent crackdown on illegal betting platforms is a testament to the government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a secure economic environment for its citizens.
Source: AIR
NITI Aayog’s Workshop on “Inclusive Trade for Prosperity”: Advancing Cooperative Federalism
NITI Aayog recently organised a one-day workshop, “Inclusive Trade for Prosperity,” on November 6, 2023, at Hotel Taj Mahal, New Delhi. This event is part of a series of 10 thematic workshops aligned with the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD). Established in 2015, NITI Aayog, replacing the non-constitutional Planning Commission, adopts a ‘Bottom-Up’ approach to planning, emphasising cooperative federalism and credible planning.
Background:
NITI Aayog, short for the National Institution for Transforming India, is a pivotal policy think tank established by the Government of India on January 1, 2015. This institution replaced the erstwhile Planning Commission, introducing a more dynamic and inclusive approach to shaping the country’s development trajectory.
Headquartered in New Delhi, NITI Aayog operates with the primary objective of fostering cooperative federalism and facilitating the involvement of both central and state governments in the nation’s development. Unlike its predecessor, the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog functions as an advisory body rather than a central planning authority. This shift signifies a departure from a top-down approach to planning towards a more participatory, “Bottom-Up” methodology.
The key objectives of NITI Aayog encapsulate a wide spectrum of developmental facets:
Objectives of NITI Aayog:
- Shared Vision: Encouraging collaboration between central and state governments for national development.
- Cooperative Federalism: Emphasising a cooperative approach between different levels of government.
- Credible Planning: Focusing on effective and credible planning for sustainable development.
- Inclusivity: Prioritising the needs of weaker sections in policy formulation.
- Strategic Planning: Developing long-term strategies and policies for the nation’s growth.
- Innovation: Promoting innovation to create knowledge and drive technological advancements.
Composition of NITI Aayog:
- Chairperson: Prime Minister.
- Vice-Chairperson: Appointed by the Prime Minister.
- Governing Council: Comprising Chief Ministers of all states and Lt. Governors of Union Territories.
- Regional Council: Addressing specific regional issues, chaired by the Prime Minister or nominee.
- Adhoc Membership: Two members from leading research institutions on a rotational basis.
- Ex-Officio Membership: Up to four members from the Union Council of Ministers, nominated by the Prime Minister.
- Chief Executive Officer: Appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed tenure, in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
- Special Invitees: Experts and specialists nominated by the Prime Minister.
Functions of NITI Aayog:
- Policy Formulation: Shaping policies for sustainable development.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of implemented policies.
- Inter-Governmental Coordination: Ensuring cooperation between central and state governments.
- Promoting Reforms: Facilitating reforms for economic growth.
- Research and Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging research and sharing knowledge for informed decision-making.
In a broader context, NITI Aayog’s recent workshop aligns with its objectives, emphasising the importance of inclusive trade for national prosperity, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to fostering cooperative federalism and sustainable development.
Source: PIB
