The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) shared updates on recent initiatives, guidelines, and festive greetings in a newsletter dated November 4, 2024. In celebration of Diwali, the Chairman extended best wishes to CBIC officers and acknowledged the recent high GST collection, reflecting the board’s successful direction. Among notable initiatives, the CGST Faridabad Commissionerate has installed ten sensor-based solar lights at the Village Athletics Stadium in Mahendergarh, Haryana. These solar lights, funded by Swachhta Funds, provide energy-efficient lighting for athletes, aligning with the Swachh Bharat and Khelo India initiatives, as well as the government’s focus on sustainable energy.
In honor of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, the CBIC reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and high standards in public service, inspired by the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The newsletter also introduced new CBIC guidelines intended to ease the investigation of tax evasion in import-export cases, emphasizing minimal disruption for legitimate trade. Customs field officers are advised to follow these guidelines to reduce delays and foster a business-friendly environment, enhancing transparency and aligning with the government’s objectives for fair customs administration. Additionally, the Chairman extended best wishes to Shri S. Faheem Ahmed on his retirement, recognizing his contributions to the organization.
******
Weekly Newsletter from CBIC Chairman dated 04 November, 2024
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 45/News Letter/CH(IC)/2024
Dear Colleague,
With the festive season around, I trust that my brethren in CBIC will make the most of the positivity and alacrity that fill this time of the year. May this festival of lights illuminate your homes and hearts, and bring prosperity, health, and happiness. Just as the lights of Diwali dispel darkness, I hope that it will inspire us to continue our collective journey with renewed enthusiasm, resilience, and dedication to our duties. With October’s bumper GST collections—the second highest ever—we can be confident that we are on the right path!
In this context, it is fitting to highlight the commendable initiative by the CGST Faridabad Commissionerate, which has installed ten sensor-based solar lights at the Village Athletics Stadium in Mahendergarh, Haryana. Funded through the Swachhta Funds, these solar lights are designed to illuminate only when needed, ensuring energy efficiency. This enhancement enables athletes to train well into the evening, supporting their endeavors. These efforts reflect our commitment to citizen-centric initiatives and align with the Swachh Bharat, Khelo India, and the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of promoting sustainable energy.
On the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, we not only observe the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, but also re-affirm the inherent strength of our nation and motivate ourselves to strive to maintain the country’s unity and integrity. I cannot overemphasize the importance of upholding the spirit of integrity, probity, and the highest standards of professionalism in all aspects of public service.
With the above intent and taking a progressive step to support ease of doing business while engaging in investigation into tax evasion cases in import or export, CBIC has issued new guidelines. Recognizing the need to balance legitimate trade with compliance processes, the guidelines underline the approach of minimal disruptions during investigations of commercial intelligence and tax evasion cases. Keeping relevant aspects in view, the Board desires that the guidelines be followed in letter and spirit by Customs field formations/ Custom Houses. These measures are designed to maintain transparency, reduce unnecessary delays, and create a more business-friendly environment in line with the Government’s commitment to bolster efficient and fair customs administration.
As I close, I would like to extend my heartfelt best wishes to Shri S. Faheem Ahmed on his superannuation and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Until next week!
Yours sincerely, ..
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs
