SFIO to hire more hands as it faces acute manpower shortage

Govt plans to set up a panel of chartered accountants to ensure speedier appointment of consultants and experts

The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), where more than half of the sanctioned 130 posts are vacant, is looking to fill up 12 positions soon, including five additional directors.

Besides, the government is looking at various options such as setting up a panel of chartered accountants to ensure speedier appointment of consultants and experts.

SFIO, which mainly probes white-collar crimes, had a staggering 75 vacant positions at different levels as on March 23, according to data compiled by the Corporate Affairs Ministry. The agency comes under this Ministry.

There are 130 sanctioned posts at the probe agency but actual strength on that date stood at just 55.

Even as SFIO faces severe staff crunch, the Ministry had referred as many as 52 cases for investigation to the agency in the financial year 2014-15.

Last week, the probe agency sought applications for 12 positions, including five additional directors.

Three vacancies of senior assistant director are to be filled up and two of assistant directors (corporate law, investigation). Applications have also been invited for one post each of prosecutor-II and private secretary.

The posts of five additional directors (investigation) are to be filled up in the offices at Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad, according to a recent circular issued by SFIO.

As part of overall efforts to address the manpower crisis, the Corporate Affairs Ministry is exploring the option of having a scheme for engaging consultants in different fields at the agency.

The proposal for such a scheme is being discussed by the Ministry with the Department of Expenditure.

Besides, there is a plan to have an approved panel of chartered accountants similar to the practice followed in other departments like the Income Tax.