Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 22/02/2021

Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Tel. No. : +91-11-23092849, Fax No. : +91-11-23092890
E-mail : ajit.m@gov.in

Date: 22^nd February 2021

D.O.No.55/CH(IC)/2020

Last week started off on a happy note with the induction of two new Members to the CBIC taking it to its full strength. Shri Om Prakash Dadhich and Shri Sandeep Kumar of the 1986 and 1987 batches respectively have assumed charge. They bring to the Board their vast and varied experience that should enrich it’s working. I welcome them and wish them both successful stints.

The peak of the Covid pandemic is behind us. The presentation of a growth-oriented Budget by the Hon’ble Finance Minister for the year 2021-22 has also been well received. Our eyes should now be on meeting the revenue targets set by government. The Video Conference conducted last week by the Board to monitor the performance of both the Customs and GST formations has, to a large extent, been promising. The assurances given by the field formations both in key performance areas as well as staff welfare, should translate into tangible results in the weeks to come. Taking staff-welfare initiatives further ahead, DGHRD has last week issued instructions for the holdin^g of JCMs regularly and in a time-bound manner, which the Directorate would monitor. These meetings are an effective mechanism for meeting and redressing the aspirations of staff and should be held regularly.

On the anti-evasion front, officers of CGST Delhi West Commissionerate need to be appreciated for their good work in bringing to book those involved in the illegal manufacturin^g and clandestine supply of gutkha/pan masala/tobacco products. Searches at multiple locations/premises led to arrest of key operators last week. Duty evasion in this case is estimated to be approximately Rs. 830 crore. In all, four accused have been arrested till now and investi^gation is under pro^gress. Similarly, I also appreciate the efforts of officers from the Preventive Branch of CGST Commissionerate, Ranchi who were able to uncover thirty-one fake firms. These firms had passed on fraudulent and inadmissible Input Tax Credit through fake billing/invoices to the tune of Rs. 154 crore.

Another milestone in infrastructure development in the Department was achieved last week. The foundation stone was laid for a new office building for CGST Ghaziabad Commissionerate on 18^t” February, 2021. The building, when completed, would be a state of the art, energy efficient, green building conforming to 5 Star GRIHA Rating. It will house, besides the CGST Commissionerate, Ghaziabad, the offices of CGST Audit Commissionerate, Meerut and CGST Appeal Commissionerate, Meerut and Pay & Account Office, CGST Commissionerate, Ghaziabad. I am sure that this building would not only meet the office space requirements but also instil a sense of pride among the officers and staff and improve our efficiency in tax administration and collection in the area.

I am also happy to inform that a DPC meeting was held last week to consider the promotion of officers of 1989 batch to HAG+ level against the vacancies of the year 2021. This is now under process in the Ministry.

In my weekly letter dated 24^th February, 2020, I had pointed out that “Customs world-over utilize the services of man’s best friend” and expressed my happiness on the establishment of a `Canine Centre’ at Attari. A year down the line, I am happy to state that the Board commemorated the completion of the first anniversary of the Centre by launching the website https://amritsarcustoms.gov.in/k9, and released the newsletter ‘Mudhol’, brought out by the Delhi Customs Preventive Zone. The magazine takes its name from the `Mudhol Hound’ a purebred Indian breed of hounds. It has a striking resemblance with the Greyhound. Congratulations to the Delhi Customs Preventive team.

The Directorate General of Export Promotion (DGEP) has, in a unique way, welcomed the spring season. A bouquet of infotinative and enjoyable articles have been bunched in its maiden annual Hindi magazine, released digitally. The magazine showcases the diverse talents of the officers and their families in our department.

On this happy note, I sign off while wishing you all a healthy week ahead.

Yours sincerely
(M.Ajit Kumar)

To,
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs