In the weekly newsletter dated 18th September 2023, the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), Mr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, addresses the significance of cleanliness and its connection to efficiency in the workplace. The newsletter highlights the government’s Special Campaign on Disposal of Pending Matters, recent achievements, and upcoming initiatives in various areas.
Gandhian Ideals: The newsletter begins by invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, emphasizing his belief that cleanliness is not only a personal virtue but a collective responsibility. It underscores how cleanliness and a healthy work environment contribute to efficiency and productivity.
Special Campaign on Disposal of Pending Matters 2.0: The CBIC’s commitment to addressing VIP references and public grievances is highlighted. The newsletter reports impressive numbers, with 80 VIP references, 11,284 public grievances, and over 2,082 public grievance appeals being disposed of between November 2022 and August 2023. It also mentions a nationwide cleanliness drive that resulted in the disposal of 86,000 files and the transition to e-Office. The recovery of office space from old or unused equipment is also noted.
Special Campaign 3.0: The newsletter announces the launch of the Special Campaign 3.0, scheduled to run from 21st October to 31st October 2023. This campaign aims to further promote cleanliness and reduce pending work, aligning with the government’s priorities.
Cultural Heritage Protection: The newsletter commends the officers of the Gandhidham Regional Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for seizing suspected vintage articles, antiques, and historical artifacts valued at over Rs. 26.8 crore. Some of these artifacts date back to the 19th century, and their protection is seen as safeguarding global cultural heritage.
Smuggling Crackdown: Officers of the Mumbai Zonal Unit of DRI are praised for arresting six individuals involved in smuggling foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs. 4.5 crore. Their meticulous efforts led to the discovery of a melting facility, exposing an intricate smuggling operation.
Heroin Seizure: The Customs Preventive Force in Silchar is acknowledged for their significant seizure of heroin worth Rs. 11.40 crore, concealed in various parts of a vehicle. This breakthrough underscores the efforts to combat the illegal drug trade.
Community Initiatives: The newsletter concludes by highlighting community involvement in a “Beach Clean Up Activity” on International Coastal Cleanup Day 2023. Officers, trade representatives, college students, and community members collected approximately 850 kgs of plastic waste, raising awareness about coastal pollution.
Conclusion: Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal’s weekly newsletter reflects the CBIC’s commitment to efficiency, cleanliness, and various initiatives aimed at improving governance and protecting cultural heritage. The newsletter serves as a valuable update on the organization’s recent accomplishments and its dedication to community engagement and environmental consciousness. It sets a positive tone for future endeavors in the realm of taxation and customs.
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Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman
DO No. 07/News Letter/CH(IC)/2023 Dated: 18th September, 2023
Dear Colleague
The father of our nation was a staunch advocate for cleanliness, believing it to be an integral aspect of one’s moral and spiritual development. Gandhiji popularly preached “Cleanliness is next to godliness”, emphasizing the profound connection between cleanliness and spiritual well-being. He envisioned a society where cleanliness was not just a personal virtue, but a collective responsibility and it was through this ethos that he mobilized campaigns for sanitation and hygiene across India. If there was anything he wanted before independence, it was cleanliness in the country.
At the workplace, his ideas of swachhta assume greater meaning to include not only cleanliness but also a healthy and productive environment that breeds efficiency. In this context, the Government’s Special Campaign on Disposal of Pending Matters 2.0 was taken up by the CBIC last year with a special focus on the disposal of VIP references and Public Grievances.
During the period November, 2022 to August, 2023, 80 VIP references, 11,284 Public Grievances and more than 2,082 Public Grievance Appeals were disposed off by the offices of CBIC. Moreover, a nation-wide cleanliness drive was also organised which resulted in the conduct of 195 outdoor campaigns till now. Notably, about 86,000 files were weeded out and CBIC transitioned over to e-Office. Further, the disposal of old/unused office equipment/scrap material freed up about 9,900 sq. ft. of space which was put to productive use. In order to give further impetus to the exercise and in line with the priorities of the Government, CBIC will undertake the Special Campaign 3.0 from 211d October to 31st October, 2023 for institutionalising Swachhata and minimising pendency of identified items of work. I am confident that your efforts will provide momentum to this campaign!
Last week, the officers of Gandhidham Regional Unit of DRI seized suspected vintage articles, antiques and historical artefacts, estimated to be valued at over Rs. 26.8 crore in the market, from an import consignment. Some of the articles date back to the 19th century. Several of these articles were made of precious stones, gold, silver or were having gold/silver coating. In particular, a pair of Indo-Nepalese prayer wheel and elephant was having approximate 8.48 kg of gold content. I applaud the officers for their resolve to protect global cultural heritage. In a separate case, officers of the Mumbai Zonal Unit of DRI arrested six individuals involved in the smuggling of foreign origin gold valued at approximately Rs. 4.5 Crore. The meticulous efforts of the officers led to the discovery of a melting facility to which smuggled gold was meant to be delivered for melting and diversion.
In a major breakthrough against illegal drug trade, Customs Preventive Force, Silchar recovered and seized heroin worth Rs. 11.40 Crore concealed in different parts of a vehicle. Kudos to the team!
Before I close, I would like to mention the voluntary participation of the officers of Kakinada Customs, trade representatives, college students and other community members in “Beach Clean Up Activity” on the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2023. Their efforts led to collection of about 850 Kgs of plastic waste and most importantly, created awareness about the growing pollution on coastlines.
Bidding adieu till we meet again next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
