Introduction: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, continues to make strides in various aspects of its operations. From participating in international conferences to achieving notable rankings, CBIC is at the forefront of customs administration. In this article, we delve into the recent developments and accomplishments of CBIC in March 2024.
Detailed Analysis:
1. Regional High-level Conference on IP Protection: CBIC actively participated in the Regional High-level Conference on IP Protection hosted by Hong Kong Customs. This event provided a platform to discuss crucial matters with counterparts, emphasizing the importance of customs cooperation in the global supply chain. Such interactions contribute to enhancing operational cooperation and understanding among WCO members.
2. Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) Rankings: CBIC achieved a remarkable feat by securing the second rank in the latest GRAI rankings for February 2024. This significant improvement reflects CBIC’s dedication to efficient grievance redressal processes. The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services played a pivotal role in sensitizing formations towards accountability and accessibility in grievance resolution.
3. Infrastructure Development: CBIC inaugurated a substantial infrastructure project in Hyderabad, symbolizing its commitment to asset development. The New GST Bhavan and Residential Quarters mark a significant milestone, being the largest construction project undertaken by CBIC. This initiative underscores CBIC’s endeavor to enhance operational efficiency and provide better facilities for its personnel.
4. NACIN’s Initiatives: NACIN Palasamudram hosted the inaugural Annual ADGs Conference of Directorate General of Vigilance, showcasing its aspiration to become a center for excellence and innovation within CBIC. Such initiatives foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among officers, contributing to organizational growth and effectiveness.
5. Successful Operations: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted Operation ‘Rising Sun,’ targeting a syndicate involved in smuggling foreign-origin gold. This meticulously planned operation led to significant seizures across multiple states, highlighting DRI’s relentless efforts in combating illicit activities and safeguarding national interests.
Conclusion: In conclusion, CBIC’s achievements and endeavors in March 2024 underscore its commitment to excellence and innovation in customs administration. From fostering international partnerships to ensuring efficient grievance redressal and infrastructure development, CBIC continues to set new benchmarks in its operations. These accomplishments reflect the dedication and resilience of CBIC officers in upholding the integrity and efficiency of India’s indirect tax and customs systems.
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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, 23092890
E-mail : sanjayk.agarwal@gov.in
18th March, 2024
DO No. 12/News Letter/CH(IC)/2024
Dear Colleague,
Last week I attended Regional High-level Conference on IP Protection, hosted by Hong Kong Customs. It also gave me an opportunity to meet with the head of Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and discuss matters of mutual interest.
In the world of global supply chains, customs administrations have to keep up to ensure compliance with the law without disrupting the time-bound delivery schedules across borders. This makes the role of customs cooperation and coordination even that much more important. We have robust operational cooperation with other WCO members, which can only be strengthened further with a proper understanding of the dynamics with each of our counterparts. Such conferences attended by our officers should work towards the same, and I urge the officers to make a note of at least one practice of host administration which is worth emulating and make it part of their report.
It is with great pleasure I inform you that CBIC has achieved second rank in the latest Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) rankings issued for the month of February 2024 by DARPG. It has been the highest rank achieved by CBIC so far with a score of 0.837, which is the highest ever score of CBIC. The previous best rank of CBIC was 11th in the month of January 2024. It shows that we have consistently improved our performance in grievance redressal. The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS) has also worked hard in sensitizing our formations towards an efficient, accountable, and accessible grievance redressal process. Keep up the good work and bear in mind, “Reaching the top is tough, but staying there is the true test of endurance and resilience.”
Continuing the trend of asset development in CBIC, the infrastructure project at Hyderabad was flagged off by the Revenue Secretary through a virtual foundation stone laying ceremony. The New GST Bhavan and Residential Quarters of the CGST 86 Customs Zone, Hyderabad, will be the largest office construction project of CBIC with a plinth area of 77008.86 sqm. A fun fact – with 104.5 meters in height, it will be the tallest building ever built by CBIC. The Zone also deserves special mention for their persistent efforts to see it through in a short span of time.
NACIN Palasamudram hosted the first-ever conference for officers under CBIC – the Annual ADGs Conference of Directorate General of Vigilance. NACIN is taking the first steps to become a hub for excellence and innovation.
Last week, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a big syndicate involved in the smuggling of foreign-origin gold in its operation code-named ‘Rising Sun’. The operation, meticulously planned and coordinated across four States, resulted in the seizure of a huge quantity of smuggled gold, weighing around 61.08 Kg, valued at around Rs. 40 crore, along with 19 vehicles, cash and other electronic items in Guwahati, Barpeta, Darbhanga, Gorakhpur and Araria. DRI has apprehended 12 persons in this operation. Commendable job!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
