The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued its newsletter dated 1 September 2025, highlighting key developments. The B.N. Banerji Memorial Lecture was delivered by Shri Amitabh Kant, former NITI Aayog CEO and India’s G20 Sherpa, on “India at 2047: Challenges and Opportunities,” commemorating Shri B.N. Banerji, the first CBEC Chairperson. The session provided insights into governance and institutional roles in shaping India’s future. In trade facilitation, Vadodara-II Commissionerate launched a GST Helpdesk extension at Bharuch Division to support taxpayers in registration processes, including scanning and uploading of documents, following the Finance Minister’s emphasis on guiding taxpayers. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) executed a major anti-narcotics operation by intercepting consignments at Delhi Air Cargo Complex, seizing 500 kg of N-BOC-4-piperidone and 250 kg of 3-CMC misdeclared for export. Subsequent searches led to further seizures in Himachal Pradesh and the arrest of key accused, marking a significant action against fentanyl precursors. The newsletter also marked the retirement of senior officers Shri Rajesh Pandey, Shri A.R.S. Kumar, and Ms. Simmi Jain, acknowledging their service contributions. Additionally, it noted the superannuation of Shri Vivek Ranjan, Member of the Board, appreciated for his depth of knowledge, commitment, and guidance throughout his career.
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
01st September, 2025
DO No. 35/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025
Dear Colleague,
The B.N. Banerji Memorial Lecture was held last week, delivered by Shri Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog and India’s G20 Sherpa, on the topic “India at 2047: Challenges and Opportunities.” The lecture commemorates Shri B.N. Banerji, the first Chairperson of CBEC (now CBIC), who combined profound legal scholarship with remarkable administrative foresight. Shri M.V.N. Rao, former Chairman, fondly recalled his days as a probationer under Shri B.N. Banerji, and his heartfelt remembrance made the occasion truly memorable. Shri Kant’s address offered thought-provoking insights of great relevance to the Service, inspiring officers to reflect on the role of governance and institutions in shaping India’s journey towards 2047. The video recording of the lecture is available on the CBIC YouTube handle.
In a step towards enhanced trade facilitation, Vadodara-II Commissionerate has set up an extension of the GST Helpdesk at Bharuch Division. The Help Centre is equipped with scanning and uploading facilities to assist taxpayers in uploading their documents during the registration process with support from departmental staff wherever queries have been raised. This initiative, welcomed by the trade and consultants alike, is in line with the directions of the Hon’ble Finance Minister during the recent Conclave, wherein she emphasized the need for guiding taxpayers in registration-related processes. The initiative serves as a good model for replication in other CGST zones as well.
The officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad Zonal Unit, in coordination with Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow Zonal Units as well as Chandigarh Regional Unit, successfully executed a major interdiction of narcotic substances. Acting on precise intelligence, two export consignments were intercepted near Delhi Air Cargo Complex-500 kg of N-BOC-4-piperidone (a fentanyl precursor) misdeclared as Biotin and 250 kg of 3-CMC (a psychotropic substance) misdeclared as other goods, destined for Nairobi and Berlin, respectively. Swift follow-up action led to the apprehension of the mastermind and financier in Mumbai and the owner of the manufacturing unit at Chandigarh. A search of the factory premises in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, resulted in further seizure of 80 kg of 3-CMC and 40 kg of N-BOC-4-piperidone. Fentanyl, a highly addictive synthetic opioid, has emerged as a grave public health crisis in many countries, especially in the United States of America. Truly, an operation par excellence by team DRI!
Last week, three distinguished colleagues – Shri Rajesh Pandey, Shri A.R.S. Kumar and Ms. Simmi Jain – superannuated after rendering decades of exemplary service to the Department and the nation. Over the years, they have contributed with dedication and diligence, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and integrity. The Board extends its best wishes to them for good health, happiness and fulfilment in their post-retirement life.
The retirement of Shri Vivek Ranjan, Member of the Board, marks the departure of not only an outstanding officer but also a cherished friend since the beginning of my service journey. A gentle soul, deeply committed and extraordinarily hardworking, his unparalleled depth of knowledge has been a guiding light for all of us. While he has formally superannuated, I am certain that he is far from hanging up his boots and will continue to pursue his passion for perfection in his own unique way. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes for good health, happiness and success in the years ahead!
Till next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs.
