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
18th July, 2022
Vivek Johri, Chairman
DO No. 33/CH(IC)/2022
Dear Collegaues,
Perseus, Bellerophon and Heracles, arguably the three greatest divine heroes of Greek mythology. A common pattern running through their embedded narratives, is their battle with monsters – Perseus slew the Gorgon Medusa; Bellerophon triumphed over Chimaera; Heracles went through his twelve tasks or penances. The challenges that tested their strength also shaped their legend. As an organization, we too constantly face challenges and our mettle is forged in our responses to them.
One such challenge has been the identification of kingpins or masterminds behind the smuggling or trafficking of contraband that we interdict. A major step towards this was taken with the introduction of Section 109A in the Customs Act, 1962, authorizing the proper officer to undertake Controlled Delivery of specified consignments of such goods in India or to a foreign country. Last week, the Controlled Delivery (Customs) Regulations, 2022 were notified. The Regulations specify the manner and procedure related to controlled delivery of specified goods. I would urge you to familiarize yourselves with the provisions so that they may be readily deployed as and when required.
Continuing on the subject of enforcement, last week the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) concluded an investigation into a case involving Customs duty evasion in excess of Rs. 4,300 Crore by an importer involved in the manufacturing, assembling, wholesale trading and distribution of mobile handsets and accessories on account of undervaluation. In the course of the investigation, an amount of Rs. 450 Crore has been deposited and a Show Cause Notice has been issued. Heartiest Congratulations to the officers for their diligence and dedication.
On the anti-smuggling side, two passengers arriving from Vietnam were interdicted at the IGI Airport, New Delhi. A search of their baggage led to the detection and seizure of 45 hand guns. Such cases underscore the vital role played by Customs in National Security. Kudos to the officers for an excellent detection.
The zonal allocation of Combined Graduate Level Examinations (CGLE), 2019 candidates – 2568 Inspectors and 452 Tax Assistants – was completed last week. The result was declared by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) on 08.04.2022 and a soft copy was received on 04.05.2022. Within a short span of two months, from the date of receipt of soft copy, the entire allocation process was completed. This included about a month for the candidates to exercise their options.
The Board has been repeatedly emphasizing the need for embracing technology for improving our efficiency in all areas of work. I am glad to inform you that this speeding up of allocation and deployment of officers was possible mainly on account of a module developed by the Directorate General of Human Resource Development (DGHRD) to collect preferences from candidates, thereby avoiding the time-consuming exercise of data entry and cross verification. This would go a long way in ameliorating the shortages of staff faced by our field formations. I would like to place on record my appreciation for Director General, DGHRD and her team as well as for Joint Secretary (Administration) for this first ever OGLE candidates’ zonal allocation done with the aid of technology.
The week gone by marked the auspicious day of Guru Purnima. On the occasion, I am reminded of a couplet composed by Sant Kabir Das extolling the primacy of our teachers.
It is indeed providential that the occasion was marked by the initiation of the excavation work of the Academic Block of the upcoming campus of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) in Hindupur. It is indeed exciting to witness a vision coming to fruition!
Before I sign off for the week, I would like to mention about an initiative of the Legal Wing of the Board in curating a High Court Litigation Monitoring Fortnight for our field formations to review pending cases, especially the old cases and to ensure that they are suitably monitored and effectively represented in the relevant fora. I would urge all field formations to actively work on this in a mission mode!
Till next week!
Yours Sincerely,
(Vivek Johri)
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs
