15th edition of the Rozgar Mela, held last week, focused on expanding employment opportunities in government sectors across India. Over 51,000 appointment letters were distributed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister through videoconferencing, encouraging new recruits to follow the principle of “Nagarik Parmo Dharma” or citizen-centric service. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has played a key role in this initiative, issuing around 18,000 letters over time, including 6,500 in this round alone. These appointments span various roles such as Preventive Officers, Examiners, Inspectors, and Assistants, enhancing CBIC’s operational capabilities.
In parallel, the Passing Out Parade for the 75th batch of Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) Officer Trainees was held at NACIN, Palasamudram. This batch was the first to complete their entire training on the campus and included officers from Bhutan, highlighting cross-border cooperation. Officers were encouraged to lead with integrity and dedication in their service roles.
Additionally, the Guwahati Customs Division executed two significant anti-smuggling operations. A search at a godown in Sonapur resulted in the seizure of 19.7 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes and 3,648 kilograms of poppy seeds, collectively valued at over Rs. 5.7 crores. A second operation in Kamrup (Metro) led to the recovery of another 3.8 lakh sticks of illegal cigarettes worth Rs. 95 lakhs. Combined, the seizures totaled 23.5 lakh sticks of cigarettes valued at Rs. 6.55 crores. These actions underscore ongoing efforts to curb illegal trade and enhance border vigilance.
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Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 28/05/2025
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 17/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025 Dated: 28th April, 2025
Dear Colleague
The 15th edition of the Rozgar Mela, a flagship initiative dedicated to enhancing employment opportunities across India, was held last week. Addressing the event via videoconferencing, the Hon’ble Prime Minister distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to newly-inducted youth across various Government departments and organisations. In his inspiring address, the Hon’ble Prime Minister bestowed upon the new recruits the guiding mantra of “Nagarik Parmo Dharma” urging them to adopt citizen-centric service as a lifelong principle. The Rozgar Mela closely aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, where building a future-ready government workforce is an imperative.
CBIC has been an active participant in this initiative, having issued around 18,000 appointment letters through previous Rozgar Melas — a number that represents nearly 40% of our workforce strength. In the 15th tranche alone, over 6,500 appointment letters have been handed out for various posts under CBIC, ranging from Preventive Officers, Examiners, and CGST Inspectors to Tax Assistants, Executive Assistants, Havaldars and MTS. These appointments will significantly strengthen CBIC’s capacity for efficient tax administration and trade facilitation while injecting fresh energy into the organization.
The Passing Out Parade of the 75th batch of Officer Trainees of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs 86 Indirect Taxes) was held at NACIN, Palasamudram, in the august presence of the Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance. This batch holds a special significance as it is the first batch to have undergone the entire training on the campus. It is also the first time that officers from the Royal Government of Bhutan marched shoulder to shoulder with their Indian counterparts in a conspicuous display of camaraderie. My special congratulations to those who have been awarded medals in recognition of their achievements during the training. With this batch of officers taking charge in their respective Zones, I urge them to lead with integrity, fairness, and humility, and to remain steadfast in their commitment to public service.
Acting on specific intelligence, officers from the Guwahati Customs Division, conducted a well-coordinated search operation at a godown in Sonapur, Guwahati. This operation resulted in the seizure of 197 cartons containing a total of 19,70,000 sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes of various brands, including Benson 85 Hedges, Esse Light Super Slim, Mond Blue Berry, WIN, and 555 Gold, with an estimated value of approximately Rs. 5.6 Crores. Additionally, 66 bags containing 3,648 kilograms of foreign-origin poppy seeds, valued at around Rs. 11 Lakhs, were recovered. In a separate operation on the same day, the officers executed another search in Kamrup (Metro), Assam, which led to the recovery of 38 cartons containing 3,80,000 sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes, primarily “Esse Light Super Slim” and “Mond Silver”, valued at Rs. 95 Lakhs. The total value of the seized cigarettes amounted to Rs. 6.55 Crores, with a total of 23,50,000 sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes seized during both the operations. Kudos to Guwahati Customs’ vigilant efforts against smuggling activities in the region!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs.
