Ex-ED Boss Sanjay Mishra Makes A Comeback In PM's Advisory Council

At present, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery is officiating as Chairman of the EAC-PM. Bery was given additional charge as Chairman of the advisory council in December last year after Bibek Debroy passed away on November 1.

However with Mishra now joining the team, it will strengthen the functioning of the EAC-PM, which primarily looks into economic issues and advises the PM. 

Known for his performance and proximity to the Narendra Modi government, Mishra is expected to play a key role in shaping economic policies amid rising challenges.

Finance Background

Mishra, 1984-batch Indian Revenue Service officer (IRS) is known for his economic acumen. Mishra, was appointed as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) chief due to his proficiency and success in tackling high-profile financial investigations.

The Enforcement Directorate is a law enforcement agency in India that focuses on financial crimes, money laundering, and economic offenses. Being appointed as its chief requires a strong background in handling complex financial investigations and a reputation for integrity and expertise in the field. Mishra’s previous work in investigating income tax cases likely showcased his ability to understand intricate financial matters and deal with high-level economic cases.

Besides Mishra, Sanjeev Sanyal and Shamika Ravi are also full time members of the EAC-PM.

President and Distinguished Fellow of the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) Rakesh Mohan, JP Morgan’s MD and Chief India Economist Sajjid Z. Chinoy and NCAER Director General Poonam Gupta among others the six part time members of the PM’s advisory council, an independent body.

Amid the slowing economic growth and rising macro-economic risks, the role of the council will get amplified. And now with Mishra joining, the Council’s functioning and its reports will grab attention.   

It is also expected that the co-ordination between Niti Aayog and PM’s Advisory Council will be further enhanced. While Mishra is now set to join EAC-PM, former Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has been appointed as a full time member of the Niti Aayog.

“It is important to augment coordination of the departments, ministries and think tanks at this juncture with challenges rising from all corners,” an analyst said.

The PM’s advisory council was set up by Late Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2004.  

Mishra joined the ED as its interim chief in October 2018 but a month later he was made the full time boss for a two-year period. However, he was subsequently given extensions before he stepped down in September 2023.