Introduction: In the latest weekly newsletter from the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), Sanjay Kumar Agarwal provides an insightful overview of the board’s ongoing initiatives and their alignment with the national vision. Let’s delve into the significant takeaways from this correspondence.
Guided by the Prime Minister’s Vision: During the 77th Independence Day address, our Prime Minister laid down a crucial guiding principle – “Reform, Perform, and Transform”. It’s vital for every CBIC officer to embody this motto in both personal and professional realms. The aim is to remain proactive, adaptive, and ready for the future.
CBIC’s Monumental Achievements: Under the resilient and dedicated leadership, CBIC has seen a significant transformation. Two notable benchmarks that stand testimony to our effectiveness include:
- UN’s Recognition: India’s commitment to global trade facilitation has been acknowledged with a stellar score of 93.55% in 2023.
- Robust GST Collections: Consistent monthly GST collections surpassing Rs. 1.6 lakh Crore showcase the department’s relentless focus on optimal performance.
Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar Scheme: A recent initiative aimed at incentivizing customers to demand bills from GST-registered suppliers. Initially piloted in selected states and Union Territories, its success depends on the collaborative efforts of the associated zones.
Enforcement Highlights of the Week: CBIC’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and secure economic environment is evident from the recent busts:
- Major GST Fraud Unraveled: CGST Belapur Commissionerate has unearthed a massive GST invoice scam, arresting a key player responsible for fake ITC transactions of Rs. 147 Crore.
- Customs Border Vigilance: Pune Customs officers have seized a leopard skin from a seemingly unsuspecting dairy shop worker. Additionally, a smuggling attempt involving 50 gold chains at Delhi Airport was foiled, resulting in eight arrests.
Holistic Development of Officers: Encouraging officers to balance their professional duties with personal passions is paramount. In a heartwarming mention, Shri Aslam Hasan, an officer from the CGST Ranchi Zone, penned a patriotic song, which was beautifully rendered by the renowned singer, Udit Narayan.
Conclusion: The CBIC, under the visionary leadership of its Chairman, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, is setting benchmarks not only in terms of professional accomplishments but also in nurturing a holistic approach towards personal and professional growth. The weekly insights not only reflect the board’s significant strides but also reiterate the commitment to national development and individual well-being.
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Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 21/08/2023
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 03/News Letter/CH(IC)/2023 Dated: 21st August, 2023
Dear Colleague,
In his address on the 77th Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister unveiled the Government’s motto – Reform, Perform, and Transform. This guiding principle should be internalized within our individual and professional comportment to enable us to harness our utmost potential and prepare ourselves effectively for the future.
I can proudly say that the CBIC has transformed substantially over the years and we should pat our back for responding to the situational requirements and overcoming the challenges. The fact that United Nations survey has recognized India’s commitment to global trade facilitation, by assigning the nation an impressive 93.55% score in 2023, highlights that we mean business! The monthly GST collections remaining over Rs. 1.6 lakh Crore is another indicator that the department is focusing on effective performance. The enthusiasm and dedication of our officers on facilitating trade, protecting borders and leveraging technology gives me confidence that the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister shall be taken up in letter and spirit.
I am sure you would be aware of the Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar Scheme announced last week – an incentivizing scheme to motivate customers to ask for a bill from the GST registered suppliers. It is being launched as a pilot scheme in the States of Haryana, Assam and Gujarat and the UTs of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu & Puducherry. I request the concerned Zones to provide extensive publicity to this initiative and make the Scheme a success.
During the week, there have been some good cases showcasing the enforcement capability of our officers. CGST Belapur Commissionerate busted a major fake GST invoice racket and apprehended the mastermind who had facilitated the circulation of fake ITC amounting to Rs. 147 Crore on the strength of bogus invoices of Rs. 817 Crores.
On the customs borders, officers of Pune Customs recovered a leopard skin
from a person disguised as a dairy shop worker. In another case, officers at the Delhi Airport recovered and seized 50 gold chains valued at Rs. 2.93 Crore from passengers trying to smuggle them illegally. So far, 8 persons have been arrested in this case.
My appreciation to all the officers who had worked meticulously to execute these cases.
Before signing off for the week, I would encourage officers to pursue their passions or hobbies alongside work. As Dale Carnegie once said,
“Today is life – the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you.”
It is heartening to note that one of our officers, Shri Aslam Hasan, posted in CGST Ranchi Zone has written a wonderful song dedicated to the nation, and it has been sung melodiously by our beloved singer Udit Narayan. Keep up the good work Aslam!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
