Vanaja N. Sarna
Chairman
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE/ DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
CENTRAL BOARD OF EXCISE & CUSTOMS
DO.No.20/CH(EC)/2017
Dated 28th July, 2017
Dear Colleagues,
On 26th July, 2017, I along with other Members of the Board held a video conference with all the Chief Commissioners of GST and CX and the Chief Commissioners of Customs to discuss various issues related to implementation of GST, particularly those related to exports. As decided in the video conference, the Commissioner(GST), CBEC has, vide his letter dated 26th July, 2017, circulated a detailed note on all such export related issues which may be gone through thoroughly and complied with by all officers and staff dealing with export issues. As highlighted in my last week’s communication, utmost professional discipline has to be maintained by all officers and staff of CBEC in facilitating exporters under GST, so that they do not face any disruption in this new taxation regime.
You may kindly refer to Member (IT)’s letter dated 28th July, 2017 regarding the IT preparedness of the Department and the two important points highlighted regarding mapping of new registrants and jurisdictional officers which are to be done on priority.
Litigation in the Department is a matter of grave concern. I have been apprised that around 93.27% of the Departmental cases identified for withdrawal from the High Courts and CESTAT have been withdrawn so far. However, I would like to insist that a concerted effort needs to be made to ensure that 100% of the cases identified for withdrawal are positively withdrawn within a precise timeframe. Further, I urge all Chief Commissioners to monitor disposal of pendency of Commissioner (Appeals) to ensure that all legacy cases are disposed off by 31st December, 2017. In this regard, a detailed guideline is being issued which should be followed strictly.
I would also like to draw your attention to the letter dated 25th July, 2017 of Member(Admin) to all Chief Commissioners requesting to share success stories and best practices in GST implementation in various zones which can be replicated throughout the country. I urge all Chief Commissioners to expedite their responses to the same.
Recently, in the Indian Express, I read an article by Commissioner (GST), Pune titled ‘Getting it wrong on GST’. It is a very simple and elucidating article. I am aware that many of our officers are publishing articles in journals and newspapers regarding implementation and impact of GST. I would like to encourage more and more officers to publish such articles on GST as these will provide the reader with some clarity on several issues and also act as a part of our outreach campaign. In this regard, DG (TPS) has already sent fax/e-mail dated 26th July, 2017 to all the Chief Commissioners to submit a report in the prescribed format. Kindly share the information as sought urgently.
I am happy to note that the `GST Rates Finder’ mobile app which was earlier available on Android platform, has now been launched on IOS too. This app, as you all know, was developed by one of our own officer and features all rates for goods and services based on the rate notifications issued and is a handy ready reckoner for use by one and all.
As we near the end of the first month of the roll out of GST, I would like to compliment all officers and staff who have worked tirelessly through this period addressing a number of concerns at their level. This has ensured a relatively smooth transition to the new tax regime. Do keep up this good work as the initial months are bound to need our extra attention.
with warm wishes,
Yours sincerely,
(Vanaja N. Sarna)
To.
All officers and staff of Central Board of Excise and Customs
