In this weekly update, Vivek Johri, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), shares important developments in the taxation and customs landscape. The update covers the 6th anniversary of GST, meetings of customs administrations, anti-smuggling and anti-evasion operations, trade promotion initiatives, officer empanelment, and superannuations.
Vivek Johri highlights the significant progress made in the past 6 years since the implementation of GST, including improved revenue collections and enhanced compliance. The launch of a web-based daily performance management system for GST formations is mentioned, aiming to streamline field-level tasks. The Chairman also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in customs administration and the use of technology and data analytics. Updates on anti-smuggling and anti-evasion operations demonstrate the CBIC’s commitment to combating illicit activities. Additionally, trade promotion efforts, including disbursal of funds to industrial units in hill states, are recognized. The announcement of officer empanelment for promotion to the grade of Commissioner of Customs & Indirect Taxes is another notable highlight.
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, Fax : +91-11-23092890
E-mail : vivekjohri.irs@gov.in
Vivek Johri, Chairman
DO No. 12/CH(IC)/2023 Dated: 03rd July, 2023 ,
Last week, we celebrated the 6th anniversary of the roll out of GST. These 6 years have been a period of momentous changes in the nature and manner of our working. We have become more data aware, our tax base has expanded manifold and the tools available for detecting the delinquent as well as delivering services to the taxpayer, have also improved significantly.
The results are clearly visible in improved buoyancy of revenue collections riding on improved compliances. Congratulating officers on the occasion, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, expressed her appreciation for the dedicated set of CBIC officers performing the sovereign function of tax collection and implementing the Parliamentary mandate.
On the occasion, a web-based daily performance management system to monitor important tasks at the field level in GST formations, “”was launched by the Hon’ble Finance Minister. This would run as a pilot in Bhopal GST Zone initially and then be implemented in the rest in phases.
The adage, Borders Divide, Customs Connect came to life in stark relief last week as Heads of Customs Administrations met in Brussels for the 141st/ 142nd sessions of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council Meeting. Apart from approving the Strategic Action Plan of WCO for 2023-2024, the reports of several committees were presented and WCO Modernization Plan was discussed.
It was a great opportunity for me to connect with my counterparts and exchange ideas on issues of common interest particularly greater apportion of technology and use of data analytics to assist us in our day to day work.
On the sidelines of the meeting, a number of bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding were signed including one with the WCO for the WCO Regional Customs Laboratory Professionals Programme which provides an opportunity for technical officers to expand and update their knowledge and skills in the chemical analysis of samples for HS classification purposes.
Recently, the Central Revenues Control Laboratory (CRCL) added yet another feather in its cap as it was recognized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest 86 Climate Change as an Environmental Laboratory under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. My heartiest congratulations to Team CRCL for their initiative and diligence.
On the anti-smuggling front, the week saw the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) interdict 3.21 kg of “Black Cocaine” valued in excess of Rs. 32 Crore. Black Cocaine is cocaine mixed with charcoal and certain chemicals which gives it a black rubber appearance so as to evade detection by canines and certain chemical testing kits.
On the anti-evasion front, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) busted a major syndicate operating 569 fake firms and passing on fraudulent ITC in excess of Rs. 1000 Crore to more than 2000 firms spread across 13 states. Kudos to the officers for their excellent detections.
Hyderabad Customs deserves special mention for taking action to destroy more than 8900 kgs. of drugs valued at about Rs. 295 Crore on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse.
Along with enforcement, trade promotion is priority area for us. Disbursal of funds to eligible units under the Scheme of Budgetary Support is one such way in which we support industrial units in hill states. I am happy to share that coordinated efforts made by our field formations in hill states along with the Directorate General of Audit led to the timely disbursal of the RE target of Rs. 2638 Crore. Hearty Congratulations to the officers.
I am happy to share that the requisite approval for empanelment of officers for promotion to the grade of Commissioner of Customs & Indirect Taxes has been received. The officers covered belong to the 2005 and 2006 Batches of the Indian Revenue Service (C&IT). Heartiest Congratulations to all the officers empaneled for promotion.
Before I sign off for the week, on behalf of the CBIC family, I would like to convey my best wishes to Ms. Vandana K. Jain, Dr. D. Krishna Srinivas and Ms. Jane Karuna Nathaniel from the 1989 Batch on their superannuation. All the best in their future endeavors.
Till next week!
Yours Sincerely,
(Vivek Johri)
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes 84 Customs
