Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), in a May 19, 2025, communication, highlighted several departmental initiatives and achievements. The Antarang Portal now features an MPR Filing Status module, developed by the Directorate of Data Management, enabling Zonal Chiefs to monitor Monthly Performance Report submissions and ensure data accuracy. The Directorate of International Customs, in collaboration with FIEO, hosted the First India–Russia AEO Seminar, launching a pilot project to enhance bilateral customs cooperation. As part of the eighth GST anniversary celebrations, CBIC and the FIT INDIA Movement organized ‘Sundays on Cycle,’ a nationwide cyclothon involving over 50,000 participants. Additionally, CGST Delhi North Commissionerate conducted a special two-day GST registration drive in commercial areas, mirroring a successful March campaign by CGST Delhi East, aimed at assisting businesses. On the anti-smuggling front, Thiruvananthapuram Zone Customs Preventive officers made significant drug seizures totaling approximately Rs. 65 crore, including a notable interception at Kozhikode Airport.
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
Sanjay Kumar Agarwal,
Chairman
DO No. 20/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025 Dated: 19th May 2025
In the ongoing efforts to enhance data-driven governance and ensure timely submission of reports, the MPR Filing Status module has now been deployed on the Antarang Portal. Developed by the Directorate of Data Management, New Delhi, it is accessible under the “Applications and Websites” section on the portal. This user-friendly tool enables real-time monitoring of the Monthly Performance Report (MPR) submission status. Zonal Chiefs can now proactively view the pendency of MPR uploads across formations under their jurisdiction and push for timely compliance. While adherence to timelines is essential, equal emphasis must be placed on the accuracy and integrity of the data submitted.
The Directorate of International Customs (DIC), in collaboration with FIEO, successfully organized the First India–Russia AEO Seminar with the theme “Unlocking Global Trade Synergies”. The seminar witnessed participation from a high-level delegation of the Federal Customs Service of Russia, the Russian Embassy in India, and key members of Indian trade and industry. A significant milestone of the event was the launch of the Indo-Russia AEO-MRA Pilot Project by Member (Customs), marking a step forward in strengthening trusted partnerships and bilateral customs cooperation. Also, the technical sessions saw active engagement from trade representatives, reflecting the shared commitment to facilitating secure and seamless cross-border trade.
As part of the nationwide celebrations leading up to the eighth anniversary of the Goods and Services Tax, CBIC, in coordination with the FIT INDIA Movement, organised a unique outreach initiative titled ‘Sundays on Cycle’. This countrywide cyclothon, flagged off from New Delhi, saw enthusiastic participation from over 50,000 cyclists across more than 100 CGST Commissionerates all over India. Senior CBIC officers, representatives from various ministries, and members of the public joined the initiative with enthusiasm. The cyclothon is part of a broader initiative blending public health advocacy with taxpayer engagement. This initiative is yet another example of CBIC’s commitment to engaging with taxpayers and the general public through innovative and inclusive outreach programmes, celebrating both national health goals and the ongoing journey of GST reform.
The CGST Delhi North Commissionerate launched a two-day special registration drive in the bustling commercial hubs of Karol Bagh and Chandni Chowk, with the objective of bringing GST registration services closer to businesses and traders. CGST Delhi North also flagged off dedicated registration kiosks to facilitate on-the-spot assistance. During the drive, departmental officers engaged directly with members of the trade community, resolving their queries and providing hands-on guidance regarding the registration process. CGST Delhi East Commissionerate had also launched a similar campaign during the month of March where more than 2,000 queries from potential and unregistered traders addressed by GST officers and more than 100 fresh GST registration applications were generated. This outreach effort by the CGST Delhi Zone is aimed at building trust and addressing concerns, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
On the anti-smuggling front, the Customs Preventive officers of the Thiruvananthapuram Zone, successfully thwarted multiple drug smuggling attempts over the past week, with a total seizure value of approximately Rs. 65 crore. A particularly noteworthy case was detected at Kozhikode Airport, involving the seizure of 34 kg of hydroponic weed and 15 kg of chocolates that tested positive for amphetamine-like substances. Although the smugglers resorted to evading tactics by routing their travel to India via third country, the officers demonstrated vigilance to intercept them on their arrival. Remarkable detection by the team!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
