M.Ajit Kumar
Chairman
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Tel. No. : +91-11-23092849, Fax No. : +91-11-23092890
E-mail : ajit.m@gov.in
D.O.N0. 19/CH(IC)/2020
Date: 15th June 2020
In my letter last week, l had stated, it was befitting that in the 25th year of the launch of EDI we were embarking on two major and ambitious reforms. The first of these, ‘Turant Customs’ was unveiled on the same day and today, a week later, we redeem our commitment to the second major reform, by launching eOffiee across all our offices„ making it ‘One department, one interconnected eoffice’.
This application would be made available to approximately 50,000 users working in all offices of the CBIC and will be the cornerstone of our office administration for years to come. This time under the guidance of Shri Sandeep Bhatnagar„ Member IT, we have proved yet again that achieving the extraordinary within short deadlines is our strength and that we are always ready to accept challenges, I congratulate DG, DGPM Shri Manoj Krishna and his team of officers, and Shri Sunil Singh Katiyar, Commissioner, Panchkula who have all made a huge contribution to the launch of eOffice today. This reform is expected to bring in its wake an attitudinal shift and awareness. It would usher in more efficient, effective and transparent inter and intro government transactions. The process would benefit us and the public in terms of enhanced transparency, increased accountability, assured data security and integrity. There is expected to be a huge transformation in work culture and ethics within the department.
The 40th GST Council Meeting was held on 12th June, 2020 under the Chairpersonship of the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Certain trade friendly decisions were taken such as a reduction in late fee for past returns, one-lime extension in the period for seeking revocation of cancellation of registration„ etc. It is essential that departmental officers keep themselves updated with the latest developments and changes in the GST law and procedures. Recently, in a major move towards taxpayer facilitation., the Government has rolled out the facility of NIL GST Return filing through SMS. This would substantially improve the ease of compliance for over 22 lakh registered taxpayers who had to otherwise log into their account on the common portal and then file ‘Nil’ returns every month.
Our trade facilitation measures have always been tempered with calibrated risk-based and intelligence-driven enforcement action, The performance against tax evaders during the last week is proof that our formations have been alert even -when the country was under a lock-down. My heart-felt congratulations to each one of the officers and staff who participated in the cases booked during the previous week mentioned below.
Officers of DRI, MZU, intercepted a 40-feet container declared to contain dates, on arrival from Dubai at JNPT, Nhava Sheva port leading to a recovery of foreign-branded cigarettes, totally valued at Rs. 11,88,28,800/-. The persons involved have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Kolkata Preventive Unit made three seizures of foreign-branded cigarettes having an approximate value of Rs. 47,42,000/-. Two other seizures of foreign‑branded cigarettes one at Rajkatra valued at Rs 1,51,75 500 and another at ifovira.h Forsor Road valued at Rs. 23,60,000/-were also made.
The officers of Vadodara Zone have reportedly made three cases based on specific intelligence and data analytics. Vadodara II Commissionerate had detected GST/Service tax evasion of more than Rs, 70 crore for non-payment of duty ‘Other Financial Services’. They were able to detect another case of GST evasion of Rs 22.73 Crores on scrap purchased from Railways and on trading/ manufacturing of scrap/MS ingot/bar but passing on ITC without paying the leviable GST on their outward supplies. Surat Commissionerate had also unearthed a case of fraudulent availment of ITC to the tune of Rs 15.50 crore through various non-existing and bogus firms.
Sale and distribution of Pan Masala & Chewing Tobacco had been banned across India due to the pandemic-induced lockdown from 25th March, 2020, considering its risk in spreading COVID-19 infection. Evidence collected by DGGI, Bhopal Zonal Unit, revealed that these banned goods were being clandestinely said and consumed during the lockdown period at 4 to 5 times the usual market rates. With an Operation code-named *Kar*k (in Hindi Kark means ‘Cancer’ while Kar means ‘Tax’), the Bhopal Zonal unit brought to book a GST evasion case which has prima facie revealed an evasion of’ Rs 250 crores during the lock down period and is eventually expected to unearth a huge amount of tax evaded during; the last few years. Recovery of Rs 40 lakhs of GST has been made. Three persons have been arrested. Valuable operational support and cooperation provided by DRI, lndore Zonal Unit, and the Madhya Pradesh Police during this operation, highlights the importance of inter-agency coordination in the common interest of public welfare and safety.
I am also happy to inform you of a free and fruitful interaction I. had with the Group ‘IV Associations, on various obstacle in the promotion of Group ‘B’ officers to Group ‘A’ and the figure course of action. They were positive that the Board should go ahead with promotions at the earliest so that officers due for promotion are elevated to the higher post before their retirement. It would be a befitting way to get them just and due recognition for their long years of service. The Associations have assured to give in writing their support to the proposal of the Board. I am sure these letters will be unconditional and help us to act swiftly to have the DPCs conducted at the earliest.
The performance of our officers in protecting the economic health and wealth of the nation even in these difficult times, without a second thought about their personal safety, is very heartening and encouraging. It inspires all of us to give our very best to our work. While working diligently and fearlessly we also need to remain healthy by abiding with the health and safety guidelines in force.
(M. Ajit Kumar)
To,
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
