As an ED officer, Prachi Singh excels in combating financial crimes, money laundering, and economic frauds, ensuring justice and protecting India’s economic integrity. With an AIR- 184 in SSC CGL, a gold medal in M.Tech, and expertise in handling high-profile cases, she exemplifies dedication and excellence.

Prachi Singh, an Enforcement Officer in the Directorate of Enforcement (ED- an agency frequently in the headlines for its high-profile operations), plays a pivotal role in India's battle against financial crimes and fraud. Her work is not only critical but also deeply intertwined with safeguarding the nation's revenue and ensuring justice.

Currently stationed at the Bangalore Zonal Office in the Southern Zone, she operates under the Department of Revenue of the Ministry of Finance. The Directorate of Enforcement is tasked with investigating and addressing financial irregularities, both on a national and international scale.

Officer Singh emphasizes the importance of their mission in a world where the pursuit of "easy money" often leads to economic irregularities. The agency's primary focus is to trace individuals or entities involved in financial fraud and recover government revenue lost to such crimes. Her role is to ensure that financial stability is upheld and that those who misuse the system are held accountable.

Prachi Singh’s responsibilities begin at the foundational level. Whenever the ED receives a complaint—be it from private entities, individuals, or other investigative agencies such as the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), or banks—the process commences. These cases often relate to issues like money laundering, fraudulent banking practices, or embezzlement. After registering an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), the department undertakes a rigorous fact-checking process. This involves verifying the validity of the complaint through exhaustive background checks and detailed analysis.

Once the initial groundwork confirms fraudulent activity, Prachi Singh and her team delve deeper into the investigation. Their methodology includes conducting searches, surveys, and interrogations to gather evidence. In some cases, statements and confessions are taken under legal provisions. If deemed necessary, they proceed with arrests and custodial interrogations, always aiming to unearth the complete scope of the fraud and recover stolen assets.

The next phase involves issuing a Provisional Attachment Order (PAO), where assets acquired through illicit means are identified and seized. These assets could range from properties and bank accounts to other high-value items, all acquired via money laundering or other fraudulent activities. The provisional attachment is a crucial step in securing the misappropriated funds for the government treasury. Subsequently, these orders are presented in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) courts, where the fraudsters and criminals are prosecuted. If the individual or entity is found guilty, the attached assets are permanently recovered, and appropriate legal penalties are imposed.

Prachi Singh explains that every aspect of their work is meticulous and legally grounded, ensuring that justice is served while upholding the rule of law. The ultimate goal of the ED is not just to penalize wrongdoers but to ensure the recovery of financial losses and deter future crimes by sending a strong message.

Prachi Singh shares that her entry into the government sector was not her initial aspiration. Coming from a family where many of her relatives were thriving in high-paying IT and engineering roles, she was also initially inclined toward opportunities that promised financial rewards and incentives. Her early career as a teacher in colleges and faculty member in coaching institutes provided stability but felt monotonous. Revisiting the same syllabus year after year did not align with her desire for a dynamic and impactful career.

Seeking a path that matched her daring spirit, Prachi Singh decided to prepare for competitive examinations. She wanted to break away from conventional roles and pursue something unconventional for women. Her focus was clear—she chose roles that involved challenging work. She consciously avoided posts that were desk-bound or clerical, despite familial suggestions to opt for secure and predictable jobs. With an innate drive to make a difference, she filled only two preferences: the Ministry of External Affairs, which involved international tenures, and the Enforcement Directorate.

Her determination paid off when she secured an All-India Rank of 184 in the General Category in the SSC CGL exam. This achievement placed her in the Enforcement Directorate, a role perfectly aligned with her personality and aspirations.

Prachi Singh’s roots are in Kota, Rajasthan, where she grew up in a middle-class family. Her father worked in a private-sector job, and her upbringing was shaped by the aspirations and limitations typical of many middle-class households. Despite living in a city known as the hub of coaching institutes, Prachi chose to rely on self-study due to financial constraints.

She completed her schooling at Sophia Girls Senior Secondary School in Kota and later pursued her graduation from the Government Women Engineering College. Her academic journey culminated in an M.Tech degree from the University College of Engineering, Kota, where she graduated as a gold medalist.

During her M.Tech course, she began earning a stipend, which marked the start of her independent journey. Balancing her studies and finances, she took on part-time jobs, including teaching at polytechnic colleges and evaluating test answer sheets for coaching institutes, earning ₹6 to ₹10 per answer book.

Young Prachi’s early career saw her taking on teaching roles, including a stint at Career Point Institute as a Physics teacher. However, the monotony of these jobs pushed her to make a bold decision—leaving her roles to dedicate herself entirely to exam preparation. She moved to Jaipur, joined a library, and enrolled in a test series to hone her skills.

Her dedication during this period was unparalleled. She recalls studying for up to 22 hours a day for an entire year. This intense preparation led her to clear the SSC CGL exam in her first attempt with an exceptional rank. For Prachi, this was not just an achievement but a necessity, as she had left all other options behind to focus solely on this goal.

Joining the Enforcement Directorate marked the beginning of a fulfilling career for Prachi Singh. The role aligns perfectly with her personality, offering challenges and opportunities to make a tangible impact. Her decision to pursue a path which is not traditionally usual for women and her ability to excel in a demanding role underscore her resilience and drive.

When asked about her role models, Prachi Singh says she draws immense inspiration from the people closest to her, crediting her family for shaping her values, resilience, and determination. She begins by highlighting her mother, who played a pivotal role in raising Prachi and her younger sister with unwavering strength and dedication. At a time when societal norms heavily emphasized the need for a son, her parents courageously chose to move away from a joint family setup, opting instead to raise their daughters in a nuclear family. This decision was driven by a belief in equality and the desire to provide their children with the best opportunities, irrespective of gender.

Prachi Singh fondly recalls her mother's mantra, teaching her that women are no less capable than men in achieving great heights. It was her mother’s strength and determination that inspired Prachi to excel. She says with pride that both of her mother’s daughters are now thriving in prestigious careers, reflecting their mother’s invaluable guidance.

Her father is another significant influence in her life. Prachi Singh admires his meticulous planning and farsightedness, which were instrumental in shaping their family’s journey. He encouraged her to dream big, think independently, and pursue challenging paths. His belief in her abilities instilled in her the confidence to tackle obstacles head-on.

Prachi Singh’s admiration extends to her in-laws too, who have been a source of constant motivation and strength to her. Her mother-in-law, a retired Superintendent in the Indian Navy, taught her the art of excelling in both professional and personal spheres. She views her mother-in- law as a role model for balancing career achievements with family responsibilities. Prachi’s father-in-law, despite being a dialysis patient, exemplifies resilience and positivity, consistently inspiring her to persevere and face challenges with courage.

Singh’s husband is another cornerstone of her support system. She credits him for teaching her the value of patience and the importance of maintaining harmony within the family. His calm demeanor and encouragement motivate her to stay balanced while pursuing her ambitions.

Beyond her family, Prachi Singh finds profound inspiration in the teachings of Lord Krishna and the Bhagavad Gita. These spiritual lessons have deeply influenced her mindset and approach to life. She mentions the significance of living with hope and perseverance, a philosophy that resonates strongly with her.

Prachi Singh recalls a particular song her husband often sang for their child, which has become a personal favorite and a source of inspiration for her. She sings the lines:

"Ruk jaana nahi, tu kahin haar ke,

Kaanto pe chalke milenge saaye bahaar ke."

These lines symbolize resilience, hope, and the unwavering determination to move forward despite challenges. Singh explains how the song encapsulates the essence of perseverance and staying alert on the path to achieving one’s goals. She believes it teaches the importance of working diligently and not giving up, even in the face of adversity.

For Prachi Singh, this philosophy is not just a lesson but a guiding principle that continues to drive her forward in both her personal and professional life. It reminds her to remain focused, embrace challenges, and keep progressing toward positive outcomes.

Prachi Singh considers her current career and accomplishments as an Enforcement Officer in the Directorate of Enforcement to be a significant achievement in itself. Her journey of excelling in multiple domains—both personal and professional—demonstrates her versatility and dedication. She believes that her ability to multitask and explore her talents has been instrumental in her success.

Beyond her professional achievements, Prachi Singh has a rich history of recognition in creative fields, particularly singing and painting. Despite being an untrained and non-professional singer, she has won numerous awards for her melodious performances. She recalls a proud moment in 2007 or 2008, when she secured second place in the Chambal Singing Contest held in Kota, Rajasthan. Singing remains a passion for her, and she frequently participates in small-scale performances, such as ‘bhajan- kirtan sandhyas’, which bring her immense joy and provide an outlet for her creativity.

Painting is another area where Prachi’s talent shines. During her school days, she showcased her artistic skills by organizing an exhibition of her paintings and drawings in Kota while she was in the 11th or 12th grade. Although her demanding career left her with little time to pursue her creative interests, the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown phase allowed her to reconnect with her passion for painting.

Prachi Singh’s paintings encompass a wide range of styles and mediums, reflecting her deep appreciation for the beauty and versatility of colors. She prefers working with paint colors, creating vibrant pieces that bring her visions to life. Her repertoire includes clay paintings, mirror paintings, and intricate thread work using satin threads. She also does handicraft work. Additionally, she excels in crafting woolen cushions and embroidery, showcasing her diverse artistic skills. Recently, she has ventured into the intricate and meditative world of Mandala art.

Her paintings are not just personal expressions but also gifts of joy for others. Prachi Singh generously creates custom artworks for friends and visitors who request them, often gifting her creations as tokens of love and appreciation. This practice not only allows her to share her talent but also strengthens her connections with those around her.

Prachi Singh offers a wealth of wisdom for aspirants aiming to enter the government sector, particularly the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Her advice stems from her belief in integrity, honesty, and a clear understanding of the purpose behind serving in such roles.

She emphasizes that working in a government department requires an unwavering commitment to honesty and dedication, both towards oneself and the country. According to her, India is rich in talent, with individuals who are vigilant and capable of making wise career choices. However, she believes that many aspirants falter in their motives, often viewing government positions as a path to personal reward or monetary gain rather than as a service to the nation.

For those aspiring to join her department or similar fields, Officer Singh highlights the importance of having a clear and ethical purpose. She shares her concern about the mindset of some younger individuals who join the department for the wrong reasons, such as using their positions for financial gain or personal advantage. She stresses that this approach undermines the core responsibilities of the job and the trust placed in government servants.

ED Officer Prachi reminds aspirants that a government job is not about personal enrichment but about fulfilling the role of a "government servant" in the truest sense. This means working for the betterment of the nation and helping restore embezzled financial assets to the government treasury. The Enforcement Directorate, for instance, plays a crucial role in retrieving public funds lost to financial fraud and rerouting them back into the treasury. The primary objective of the department is to serve the country, not to seek personal rewards or societal recognition.

She also warns against the growing trend of individuals misusing their positions or creating false pretenses of authority, such as conducting fake ED or CBI searches to earn easy money. These unethical practices, she says, not only harm the reputation of government institutions but also send the wrong message to the younger generation aspiring to join such fields. Prachi Singh believes it is essential to eradicate such behaviors to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of government departments.

For those who wish to enter her department, Prachi Singh underscores the importance of being true to oneself, the department, and the government. She reassures aspirants that the job offers immense exposure, challenges, and opportunities to grow, but only if they approach it with the right intentions. Integrity, dedication, and a genuine commitment to serving the nation are the cornerstones of a successful career in government service.

Officer Singh’s message to aspiring government servants is clear: “Be a true government servant, not just in name but in action. Let your work restore the faith and trust of the people in our institutions. Serve the country with honesty and diligence, and you will achieve greatness, not just for yourself but for the nation as a whole.”

For individuals seeking to report a crime or fraud, Prachi Singh emphasizes that there are several dedicated agencies designed to address such issues. She explains that the Directorate of Enforcement is one of these agencies, and citizens can easily reach out to them through multiple channels.

She highlights that the department has an official website where complaints or queries can be filed directly. Additionally, individuals can submit written complaints to the address of any local office in their area. For cases requiring higher-level attention, complaints can also be submitted to the headquarters office, which ensures the matter is subsequently transferred to the appropriate regional office for action.

Officer Singh further mentions that on a state level, every state government has a local Economic Offences Wing (EOW). These specialized departments deal particularly with state-level economic crimes. She encourages individuals who suspect financial fraud or other economic offenses in their state to approach the EOW with proper evidence and detailed information, submitting a written complaint to initiate action.

Prachi Singh’s message is clear: agencies are accessible and ready to assist in tackling fraud and ensuring justice. She urges people to come forward with accurate information and evidence, assuring them that the process will be carried forward diligently.

Prachi Singh concludes her story with a heartfelt message to the youth of India, urging them to reflect on their choices and priorities in life. She emphasizes the importance of hard work and the value of earning money through ethical means rather than seeking shortcuts. Her words carry a deep sense of patriotism and responsibility as she appeals to the younger generation to respect it and contribute to their motherland.

She draws a compelling analogy, comparing the love and care of one’s mother to the love of one’s country. Just as a child may find affection and support from others in the neighborhood, but nothing can replace the unconditional love and care of their real mother. Similarly, no other country, no matter how appealing it may seem with its conveniences and opportunities, can offer the deep connection, culture, and care that one’s motherland provides.

Acknowledging the challenges in India, Prachi Singh admits that progress can sometimes be slow, and diversity may add complexities. However, she believes these hurdles should not deter people from appreciating and contributing to their country’s growth. She observes that many individuals leave India in pursuit of higher salaries, western lifestyles, or quicker advancements, leading to a phenomenon often referred to as a "brain drain." While she respects personal choices, she encourages individuals to reconsider this trend and invest their talents and efforts in India.

Prachi Singh passionately asserts that India is a great nation with immense potential, and it is up to its citizens to make it even greater. She believes that over time, with collective efforts and dedication, the true beauty and strength of the country will shine brighter. For her, India’s greatness lies not just in its history but in the possibility of its future—a future shaped by those who choose to stay, work hard, and build the nation.

Her closing words resonate with pride and hope: "My India was great, it is great, and it will always be great. But it is up to us to make it greater."

She leaves the audience with a small yet profound request: to stay committed to the motherland, to work with integrity, and to contribute to the nation's progress, ensuring that the bond with India remains strong and unbroken.