A Curious Appointment

Former Enforcement Directorate (ED) chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra has been appointed a full-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).

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Yes, an investigator is now advising on economic policy. Are we running out of economists, or is the economy now a case for forensic analysis?

Before we jump to conclusions, let’s give credit where it’s due. Mishra’s tenure at the ED was marked by high-profile investigations and a no-nonsense approach to financial malfeasance. His experience in navigating the murky waters of economic offences could bring a fresh perspective to the EAC-PM. After all, understanding the underbelly of financial crime might offer unique insights into the loopholes that plague our economy.

But here’s the rub: Is this appointment a testament to a dwindling pool of economists willing to step into advisory roles? The untimely demise of Bibek Debroy, the former chairman of the EAC-PM, cut big shoes to fill. Debroy was not just an economist; he was a polymath who seamlessly blended economic theory with cultural scholarship. Replacing such a towering figure is no small feat.