Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 16.05.2022
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Tel. : +91-11-23092849, Fax : +91-11-23092890
E-mail : vivekjohri.irs@gov.in
16th May, 2022
Chairman
DO No. 24/CH(IC)/2022
Justice, blighted, blights; and justice, preserved, preserves
This evocative verse from the Mahabharata conveys a message that is as poignant as it is puissant. Perhaps a touch more so for those, like all of us, who are tasked with implementing laws. Effective resolution of disputes is the cornerstone of a fair, equitable and progressive tax administration. Therefore, while exercising quasi-judicial functions it is imperative for all of us to be balanced, reasonable and fair since non-judicious orders only serve to undermine the trust of the stakeholders in the ability or fairness of the administration.
I would like to advise all officers issuing quasi-judicial orders as well as officers involved in the Review process to ensure that suitable emphasis is laid on judicial discipline, rule of law and on following the due process of law. The legality and propriety of adjudication orders is paramount and the adjudication and review process ought to be able to reflect that and not merely be concerned with the outcome of the order.
Last week, the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management organized the first in-house ADVAIT Data Analytics Hackathon a-unique competitive, creative & collaborative event aimed at testing data analytics skills. 33 teams drawn across our formations participated.
They worked on a range of issues/problems experienced in the day-to-day operations of Customs & GST formations such as automated detection of Circular Trading Networks and Risk based Network Segmentation; development of an Input Output Product Correlation map for Manufactured products for tracking products across the supply chain through data analytics; use of data to track domestic movement of export and import consignments and many others.
I was very enthused by the excitement and positive energy of so many bright, young minds using state-of-art technology and there IT skills to explore 85 resolve these issues. In my view, it’s a very unique way of advancing the use of data analytics in the organisation-a goal that the Board has been actively promoting. My sincere congratulations to Pr. Director General, Directorate General of Systems and Data Management and his team of officers for curating the event.
International engagement is a vital part of our work. Last week, NACIN Mumbai Zonal Campus hosted supervisory Level officers of the Maldives Customs Services for an exposure visit under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs. The participants visited various Customs Formations for an exposure to our Customs clearance processes.
Moving ahead, continuing the drive to enable Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) at all Customs stations, last week the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management operationalized EDI at Sea Port, Port Blair in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This would enhance facilitation at the Port and help with enhanced Data Analytics. Kudos to the officers of the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management for their unstinting efforts.
Adding another link to a string of successes, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) interdicted a consignment declared as ‘Trolley Bags’ at the Air Cargo Complex in New Delhi. Examination of the consignment led to the seizure of 55 kg. of Heroin. Further in swift follow-up operations, a further 7 kg. of Heroin along with a large amount of cash was recovered.
In another excellent detection, acting on specific intelligence, officers of DRI, intercepted a consignment declared as ‘Triangle Valves’ at the Delhi Air Cargo Complex. A detailed examination revealed 61.5 Kgs. of high purity Gold, concealed in the valves. Many Congratulations to Pr. Director General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and his team for an outstanding performance.
As I sign off for the week, I would like to mention about one of our officers, Rachana Singh, Additional Commissioner, who has set out on a mountaineering expedition to scale the Bhagirathi-II peak (6512 Mts.). Our best wishes, Rachana! May you scale ever higher peaks and keep the CBIC flag flying high.
Till next week!
Yours Sincerely,
(Vivek Johri)
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes 85 Customs
