M.Ajit Kumar
Chairman
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
D.O.No. 28/CH(IC)/2020
Date: 17th August 2020
Dear Colleague
The 74th Independence Day was an important national event celebrated last week. The Hon’ble Prime Minister in his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, called for, among other things, India to manufacture everything it consumes, and not just that – export more to the world too as we grow. CBIC is committed to realising these objectives and we should ensure that our collective action facilitates this endeavour.
The Time Release Study of Mumbai II Customs Zone released a few days ago, provides useful and practical insights relating to import and export clearance process at Nhava Sheva. While the reduction in release time over the years and efforts taken to achieve the same is commendable, a lot more needs to be done quickly to reach the national target timings. This is a useful document from the stakeholders’ perspective also as it allows them to plan their logistic supply chain. The study has made many useful recommendations for enhancing the level of facilitation and reducing the dwell time. Its suggestions would be useful for all Customs zones and may be studied for implementation and its results flagged in their own TRS report.
The Independence Day for Siliguri DRI officers started on a high note with the seizure of 26.5 Kgs of Gold valued at Rs. 14.09 Crores. Acting on intelligence, three persons were intercepted in Brahmaputra Mail Covid-19 Express at New Delhi with 160 pcs of gold biscuits, purportedly smuggled in through the North. East. Further, in one of the biggest heroin seizures made in recent times, a synergy in action forged between RMCC Mumbai. Examination officers of Nhava Sheva Customs and DRI resulted in the seizure of around 191 Kgs of heroin from a Container, which was declared to be having “Mulethi”. The heroin was reportedly concealed in plastic pipes of less than one feet on which the bark of trees was stuck for concealment. Hearty congratulations to all the officers who participated in and made the above successful seizures.
The GST Audit II, Mumbai has launched the first issue of Hindi e-Book *Sanskriti’. The e-magazine not only made effort to showcase the hidden talent and writing skills of the departmental officers and staff but also informs about day to day happenings of the department. My congratulations to the editorial team for bringing out the e-Book `Sanskriti’.
The 74th Independence Day was a memorable event at the Trichy Customs (Preventive) Zone. In the function, in what was a fine gesture, they honoured and felicitated a centenarian, Shri A. Kanthimathinathan, Retd. Assistant Collector. He had joined the Central Excise department as a Sub-Inspector in 1943 at Marakkanam in pre-independent India and rose to become an Assistant Collector before superannuating in 1979. In a distinguished career spanning more than 36 years of service to the nation, he received the President’s award for meritorious service in the year 1973. He is also remembered for his huge seizure of 140 Kgs of gold. I wish the centenarian many more years of a very happy and healthy life. Shri Uma Shanker, Chief Commissioner, Trichy Customs (Preventive) Zone and his team of officers deserve special appreciation for this wonderful initiative.
There have been many more seizures of contraband and anti-evasion cases made during the week. Paucity of space is a constraint in mentioning all of them. I wish that this trend of thwarting smuggling and preventing evasion continues unabated.
Wishing each and every one of you a healthy and cheerful week ahead.
with best wishes
Yours sincerely
(M. Ajit Kumar)
To,
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
