Ministry of Finance marked National Civil Services Day on April 21, 2025, recognizing the role of civil servants in supporting governance and public welfare. The date commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 1947 address to the first batch of civil service trainees, describing them as the “steel frame” of India. In line with improving administrative efficiency, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has introduced updated guidelines to streamline GST registration procedures. Issued under Instruction No. 03/2025-GST dated April 17, 2025, the revised policy seeks to enhance transparency and reduce the compliance burden by limiting unnecessary queries and requests for additional documentation. Officers must now strictly adhere to the prescribed list of documents, and any deviation requires prior approval from senior officials. Zonal Chief Commissioners have been tasked with ensuring adherence and issuing trade notices when necessary, with non-compliance being taken seriously by the Board.
Separately, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out a major drug interdiction at IGI Airport, New Delhi. Based on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted an Indian national arriving from Dubai and discovered 7.56 kg of cocaine, concealed in the inner layers of five handbags. The street value of the narcotics is estimated at approximately ₹75.6 crore. The accused has been arrested under the NDPS Act. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to counter drug trafficking and maintain national security.
This week’s updates reflect the CBIC’s continued focus on improving taxpayer experience while also addressing broader enforcement responsibilities across customs and indirect taxation.
Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 21/05/2025
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 16/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025 Dated: 21th April, 2025
Dear Colleague,
Every year, April 21st is commemorated as National Civil Services Day—a day dedicated to acknowledging the exceptional commitment, integrity, and service of civil servants across the country. Instituted to honour the pivotal role played by public officials in nation-building, this day also serves as an opportunity for introspection and renewal of the commitment to public service. The significance of the date traces back to 1947, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, addressed the first batch of civil service trainees, famously describing civil servants as the “steel frame” of India. More than a celebration, Civil Services Day is a reminder of the quiet strength of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the wheels of governance move smoothly, contributing to a stronger, more equitable, and forward-looking India.
In this spirit, CBIC has issued revised guidelines for processing GST registration applications by its field formations to enhance transparency and reduce the compliance burden on taxpayers. These guidelines, issued through Instruction No. 03/2025-GST dated 17th April 2025, aim to address grievances regarding delays and difficulties in the registration process—particularly those arising from unwarranted queries and demands for additional documents. This proactive step by CBIC is expected to streamline the registration process, bolster ease of doing business, and reinforce taxpayer trust in the system.
The instructions mandate officers to adhere strictly to the list of documents prescribed and avoid raising notices on presumptive grounds or minor discrepancies. Any deviation from the prescribed document list must be approved by the concerned Deputy/Assistant Commissioner. Zonal (Pr.) Chief Commissioners should closely supervise the status of the GST registration applications and issue necessary trade notices, wherever required. Needless to mention, any deviation from the instructions shall be viewed seriously by the Board.
In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Delhi seized 7.56 kg of cocaine valued at approximately Rs. 75.6 crore at IGI Airport, New Delhi. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted an Indian national arriving from Dubai. A detailed examination of the passenger’s baggage revealed five handbags, within whose concealed inner layers, ten packets of white powder were found. The substance tested positive for cocaine. The accused has been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act. Excellent operation by DRI to safeguard the nation from the menace of drugs!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs.
