Introduction: Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal shares valuable insights and updates in the weekly newsletter from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) dated 25th September 2023. The newsletter covers a range of topics, including research initiatives, taxation issues, enforcement actions, and more.
Intellectual Pursuit for Effective Governance: The newsletter begins by highlighting the significance of knowledge and inquiry in governance and administration. It emphasizes the importance of intellectual pursuit for effective decision-making and governance.
Collaboration with NLSIU: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) and the Department of Revenue has resulted in the creation of a DoR Chair at NLSIU. This chair conducts research in relevant legal areas, acts as a think tank for the Department of Revenue, and contributes to an updated knowledge database in law.
Research Priorities: The newsletter discusses the outcomes of research conducted during the past academic year and outlines the topics chosen for the current year. It highlights the importance of comprehensive reviews in emerging areas of taxation.
Revisiting Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations: One of the key areas of focus is the Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations (CBLR). The newsletter points out the need for a reevaluation of these regulations, especially in the context of the transition to a paperless framework in Customs compliances.
Coordination for Faceless Assessment: The Chairman emphasizes the role of National Assessment Centres (NACs) in successful faceless assessment implementation. He encourages coordinated efforts among NACs to ensure timely assessments and calls for proactive feedback from concerned zones.
Special Campaign 3.0: The newsletter mentions the upcoming Special Campaign 3.0, with preparations being overseen by a visit from the Hon’ble Minister of State for Personnel. The Chairman assures that all zones and directorates under CBIC are fully prepared for this campaign.
Enforcement Highlights: Notable enforcement actions are highlighted, including seizures of smuggled e-cigarettes and poppy seeds, as well as efforts to combat the unlawful cultivation of cannabis. The newsletter recognizes the exceptional work of enforcement officers.
HR Updates: The newsletter also shares positive news about promotions within the organization, emphasizing the importance of timely promotions for maintaining a positive work environment.
International Cooperation: CBIC extends its reach globally by organizing a training course on the chemical analysis of narcotics and psychotropic substances for nine countries, under the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal’s weekly newsletter from CBIC serves as an informative resource covering a wide spectrum of topics, from research collaborations to enforcement actions and international cooperation. It reflects CBIC’s commitment to effective governance, knowledge dissemination, and maintaining a dynamic work environment. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks.
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Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 25.09.2023
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
Sanjay Kumar Agarwal,
Chairman
DO No. 08/News Letter/CH(IC)/2023 Dated: 25th September, 2023
विद्या ददाति विनयं विनयाद् याति पात्रताम्।
पात्रत्वाद् धनमाप्नोति धनाद्धर्मं ततः सुखम्॥
The above text has been taken from the Hitopdesha – the ancient Indian treatise on worldly wisdom. This particular verse can be translated as:
“knowledge gives discipline, from discipline comes worthiness, from worthiness one gets wealth, from wealth (one does) good deeds, from that (comes) joy.”
The age-old wisdom extols the virtues of knowledge and inquiry. The importance of intellectual pursuit for effective governance and administration cannot be overemphasized.
To cater to the academic and policy-related needs of the Department of Revenue, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between National Law School of India University (NLSIU) and Department of Revenue (DoR). Accordingly, a DoR Chair was constituted in NLSIU to engage in research in the relevant areas of law, to act as think tank for the DoR and to create an updated knowledge database in law for the benefit of the Department.
Last week, I attended the 14th meeting of the Management Committee of the DoR Chair in Bengaluru where the Vice Chancellor of the NLSIU was also present. Briefly, the Committee was apprised of the outcome of the research done during the past academic year and deliberated on the topics to be taken up in this year. The collective wisdom of the Committee decided on three important issues which need a comprehensive overview keeping in mind the emerging areas in taxation.
One among them is a much-needed relook of the Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations (or CBLR). The Licensing Regulations carry force from the Customs Act itself, drafted initially in the sixties and amended as recently as 2018. The regulations acknowledge the important role played by the Customs Brokers and prescribe procedures for their licensing so that the trade benefits from a recognized professional to assist them. However, the regulations significantly reflect a period characterized by paper-based Customs compliances although the Department has since transitioned to a faceless, contactless and paperless framework. Should the Chair request data from the field in studying this aspect, I anticipate that the
Customs Zones will promptly furnish their inputs. I have every confidence that the insights offered by the Chair will be of great value.
During my Bengaluru visit, I interacted with the wonderful team of Bengaluru Customs and CGST. The Chief Commissioner, Customs, Bengaluru, being the Convenor of the National Assessment Centre (NAC) for mineral products, several key aspects of the functioning of the NACs were discussed. The NACs have a critical role in the successful implementation of faceless assessment. The constituent Zones of the NACs should work in a coordinated manner to ensure that the assessments are carried out in a timely manner. I would also urge the concerned Zones to be proactive in providing feedback to the Working Groups.
In the last week’s newsletter, I had discussed at length the Special Campaign 3.0 which is to take off from 2nd October. To oversee the preparations for the Campaign, Hon’ble Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions visited North Block. I presented him with a collage of the activities carried out by CBIC in last year’s Campaign. He appreciated the concerted efforts of CBIC and I assured the Hon’ble Minister that all Zones and Directorates under CBIC are fully geared up for this year’s Campaign with unique initiatives. Rise and shine!
On the enforcement front last week, the officers of the Delhi Zonal Unit of DRI seized more than 90,000 sticks of illegally smuggled e-cigarettes and about 2,500 Kg of poppy seeds from two trucks. The entire catch was valued at about Rs. 20 Crore. In another case, the officers of the Narcotics Cell, Pune Customs dealt a significant blow to the unlawful cultivation of cannabis by destroying 1770 cannabis plants in Ralesar, Solapur. The Delhi Customs Preventive Zone also destroyed 147 Kg of illegal narcotic substances worth Rs. 396 Crore. Exceptional work!
On the HR side, I am happy to state that the promotion order of six officers to the grade of Deputy Director (Official Language) was issued. Timely promotions of officers are crucial to maintaining a positive work environment.
Before I sign off for the week, I wish to convey my appreciation to the Central Revenues Control Laboratory, New Delhi for organising a two weeks training course on Chemical Analysis of Narcotics 86 Psychotropic Substances for nine countries under the aegis of Indian Technical 86 Economic Cooperation Programme.
Till next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs
