DRI Moves from Drum Shape Building in IP Estate to Modern Building on 6K Sq.m Plot in Vasant Kunj in South Delhi, FM Nirmala Inaugurates

· Decentralised Operations and Online Operations puts emphasis on streamlined operations, policing responsibilities with Jurisdiction Commissionerates

· Pankaj Chaudhary commends DRI incorporating technology and data analytics into its functioning swiftly

· Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava appreciates DRI's role in creating a safe and secure economic environment

· Imperative to focus on infrastructural development and to enhance the institutional capabilities: CBIC Chairman Sanjay Agarwal

· Do not view enforcement and facilitation as opposing ends of the spectrum.

· Investigate holistically, keeping the big picture in focus, not merely chasing isolated infractions.

· Enforcement operations should be rooted not only in data but also in dharma.

· Sanjay Kumar Agarwal extended his congratulations to the entire DRI team as well as CPWD and other government departments.

· The newly inaugurated building is equipped with modern amenities and technological infrastructure

· The building, occupying a plot area of 6,200 sq.metres.

[ABS News Service/04.06.2025]

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurated the new state-of-the-art Headquarters Building of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in New Delhi, on 3 June, 2025.

Also present on the occasion were Arvind Shrivastava, Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance; Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC); Mohan Kumar Singh, Member (Compliance Management), CBIC; Abhai Kumar Srivastav, Director General, DRI; and the senior officials of CBIC and other law enforcement agencies, including foreign delegates.

The Union Finance Minister also praised the record time in which the new building was completed and lauded the DRI’s role in national security, safeguarding India's economic frontiers and its commitment to curbing smuggling.

In her address at the inauguration, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman called on DRI officers to imbue themselves with the spirit of the clarion call of 'Reform, Perform, and Transform' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and embrace three key imperatives as enforcement agencies:

· Do not view enforcement and facilitation as opposing ends of the spectrum.

· Investigate holistically, keeping the big picture in focus, not merely chasing isolated infractions.

· Enforcement operations should be rooted not only in data but also in dharma.

The Union Finance Minister emphasised that in addition to affecting seizures, the focus should be to dismantle the entire syndicates by reaching the last mile highlighted on the need to enhance inter-agency cooperation as well as improved coordination with international counterparts in the era of transnational economic crimes.

In his address on the occasion, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal extended his congratulations to the entire DRI team as well as CPWD and other government departments on the inauguration of the HQ building. Mr. Agarwal stated that with the robust indirect tax collections and an increase in the taxpayer base, the role of CBIC in the economic growth of the country is increasing and in order to meet the ever-evolving landscape, it is imperative to focus on infrastructural development and to enhance the institutional capabilities.

In his vote of thanks by Brij Bhushan Gupta, Principal ADG, DRI HQ, expressed gratitude to all the distinguished guests and also to the team of CPWD involved in the construction of the facility.

The newly inaugurated building is equipped with modern amenities and technological infrastructure designed to support the evolving needs of the agency in combating complex financial crimes and cross-border illegal trade. The building, occupying a plot area of 6,200 sq.metres, has been meticulously designed to meet the operational requirements of the DRI, while incorporating a range of sustainable and energy-efficient features. These include rainwater harvesting, a sewage treatment plant, solar power panels, and other eco-friendly initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact. The design also emphasises inclusivity and staff welfare, with provisions such as barrier-free access, ramps, elevators, and a crèche to support working parents, ensuring a modern and accommodating workspace for all.