In a dynamic world of finance, taxation, and customs, staying informed about the latest developments and initiatives is crucial. The weekly newsletter from the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), dated October 3, 2023, provides a valuable insight into significant events and achievements within the realm of taxation and customs in India. This article presents a detailed analysis of the highlights from Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal’s newsletter.
Key Highlights from Chairman CBIC’s Newsletter
i. Swachhata hi Seva Campaign: The newsletter kicks off with an emphasis on the Swachhata hi Seva Campaign, which took center stage during the past week. CBIC played a pivotal role in paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary by launching a massive cleanliness drive. Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, along with fellow Board members, actively participated in the campaign, underscoring the importance of cleanliness both in the workplace and the surrounding areas. The principle of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” was highlighted as a key component of this initiative.
ii. Swachh Bharat Mission Online Course: Over 100 officers from the Mumbai Customs Zone-II completed the “Swachh Bharat Mission – An Overview” online course on the iGoT Karmayogi platform. Chairman Agarwal himself completed the course, indicating the commitment to promoting the objectives and modalities of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
iii. Rozgar Mela: The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s emphasis on employment generation led to the issuance of 2019 appointment letters during the September event of the Rozgar Mela. These events underscore the government’s dedication to employment promotion and economic development. The newsletter encourages planning efforts to ensure timely recruitment.
iv. Crackdown on Illegal Wildlife Trade: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) continued its efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade through “Operation Kachchhap.” This operation resulted in the apprehension of six individuals and the rescue of 955 live baby Gangetic turtles in Nagpur, Bhopal, and Chennai. The newsletter applauds this commendable effort.
v. e-ARC and e-Compendium Launch: The Chief Commissioner (AR), New Delhi, introduced the electronic Authorized Representative Case management system (e-ARC), which will aid in monitoring CESTAT cases by Authorized Representatives of the Department. Additionally, the 3rd e-Compendium of CESTAT case laws in favor of revenue was launched, serving as a valuable resource for departmental officers.
vi. Hindi Pakhwada Conclusion: CBIC successfully concluded the Hindi Pakhwada with a well-organized Hindi Pakhwada Samapan Samaroh. The newsletter highlights the appreciable efforts made by CBIC formations across India to promote the use of the Hindi language in official work. It also commemorates Hindi Diwas, celebrated annually on September 14th, as a reminder of India’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
vii. Bilingual Weekly Newsletter: Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal’s commitment to linguistic diversity is underscored by his decision to write his weekly newsletter in both Hindi and English, ensuring broader accessibility.
Conclusion
Chairman CBIC’s weekly newsletter for the week of October 3, 2023, offers a glimpse into the diverse and impactful initiatives undertaken by CBIC and its officers. From cleanliness drives and employment promotion to wildlife conservation and linguistic diversity, CBIC’s commitment to excellence in its multifaceted role is evident. Stay tuned for more updates from the world of taxation and customs in India in the weeks to come.
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Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 03.10.2023
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Tel.: +91-11-23092849, 23092890
E-mail : sanjayk.agarwal@gov.in
Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman
DO No. 09/News Letter/CH(IC)/2023 Dated: 03rd October, 2023
Dear Colleague,
The week gone by was eventful and remarkable!
The Swachhata hi Seva Campaign took centre stage and going by the updates on social media, I have no qualms in saying that CBIC gave a rightful tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his birth anniversary by launching a massive cleanliness drive by way of shramdaan and jan bhagidari. Myself, along with fellow Board members, participated in this one-hour campaign across different locations, to promote an organizational culture that prioritizes cleanliness and strives for a garbage-free environment in both our workplace and the surrounding areas. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle needs to be internalized in our working!
In a step further, more than 100 officers of the Mumbai Customs Zone-II completed the online course “Swachh Bharat Mission – An Overview” on iGoT Karmayogi platform. To enrich myself as well as to boost the morale of officers, I also took out time to complete the course which captures the objectives and modalities of the Swachh Bharat Mission in a concise and crisp manner.
As you may recall, the Hon’ble Prime Minister launched the Rozgar Mela event on 22nd October 2022 with strong emphasis on employment generation. The September event of the Rozgar Mela was held last week where CBIC issued 2019 appointment letters. These events underscore the Government’s commitment to promoting employment, supporting economic development, and enhancing the livelihoods of its citizens. In this context, we need to plan our efforts so that we can ensure timely recruitment. I am sure that the Cadre Controlling Authorities are working positively in line with the discussions that took place during the Board’s Video Conference last month.
On the preventive front, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence continued its crackdown on illegal wildlife trade by apprehending six persons and saving 955 live baby Gangetic turtles in “Operation Kachchhap” at Nagpur, Bhopal and Chennai. Kudos to the team!
In a novel initiative, the office of the Chief Commissioner (AR), New Delhi launched the new electronic Authorized Representative Case management system or the e-ARC. This app will prove to be handy for monitoring of CESTAT cases by the Authorized Representatives of the Department. Alongside, CC (AR) office also launched the 3rd e-Compendium of CESTAT case laws in favour of revenue. This
Compendium will serve as a ready reckoner for the departmental officers and I would urge the officers to utilize this search enabled e-Compendium to its fullest.
Last but not least, CBIC successfully concluded the Hindi Pakhwada last week with a wonderfully organised Hindi Pakhwada Samapan Samaroh. The formations of CBIC across India are making appreciable efforts to promote the use of Hindi language in their official work. We should remember that the Hindi Diwas is annually celebrated on 14th September to commemorate the adoption of Hindi as the official language of the Indian Union, replacing English, on this date in 1949. The wide range of events and activities held throughout the country, not only aim at highlighting the importance of Hindi as an official language but also serve as a reminder of the nation’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
On this occasion, I have decided to make earnest efforts at my level and therefore, I undertake to write my weekly newsletter in both Hindi and English.
Till next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
