M. Ajit Kumar
Chairman
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Tel. No.: +91-11-23092849, Fax No. : +91-11-23092890
E-mail : ajit.m@gov.in
D.O.No.44/CH(IC)/2020
Date: 07th December 2020
Dear Colleague
The 4th of December is a date etched in the history of the Department, being the ‘Founding Day’ of DRI. This Directorate, recognised as one of the premier intelligence agencies of the country, has seen 63 years of glorious service to the nation with absolute commitment and dedication by its officers. Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Finance Minister as well as Mr. Kunio Mikuria, the Secretary General of World Customs Organisation, who participated in the Founding Day function last week, appreciated the outstanding work of the 800 strong force of DRI. On the occasion, Mr. Shankaran, former DG, DGRI was presented with the `DRI Utkrisht Sewa Samman’ for his distinguished service. The presentation of bravery awards to brave hearts Shri Najimudheen T S and Shri Sumer Sen for the raw courage displayed by them in anti-smuggling operations at Calicut and Khariya Meethapur near Jodhpur respectively was another highlight of the function. May this organisation, the pride of our service, go from strength to strength in the service of the nation.
In our endeavour to take forward the initiative for expeditious clearances as a trade facilitation measure, the Board on 03.12.2020 inaugurated a new container scanner solution at five locations viz., two at Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Trust and one each at Vishakhapatnam, Kamrajar and Hazira ports. API-based container solutions ensures integration of scanned images to ICES. This will help assessing officers and other concerned officers take prompt decisions for quick clearance of containers. The Systems Directorate that has provided this innovative facility deserves praise.
In furthering our relationship with other Customs administrations across the globe. it was a pleasure to meet Mr. Francois Delhaye, the Ambassador of Belgium, when he called upon Shri Sandeep M. Bhatnagar, Member (Customs) and me. The Ambassador noted the close coordination and cooperation between Indian and Belgium Customs. Both sides discussed ways to have deeper engagements in areas of drug law enforcement, diamond trade. capacity building. automation and use of Artificial Intelligence.
Last week, it was also a pleasure to interact with our stakeholders on trade facilitation initiatives in Customs and GST from the eastern part of India. While thanking the members of Bharat Chamber of Commerce and the trade, in general, for their efforts to quickly revive the economy, it was also pointed out that trade facilitation and tax compliance are two sides of the same coin. It is in the interest of the nation that there is a healthy partnership between the trade and the tax administration. This would bring in rapid changes in procedures that facilitate EODB without jeopardising revenue. The various new initiatives on the Customs and GST sides was explained to the participants of the Video Conference.
With the presentation of the Budget drawing near, consultations with the Trade and Industry would commence this week. All the zones should also send in their suggestions for changes in law or procedure that would enhance the taxpayer experience while, at the same time, safeguarding revenue. We have achieved, on the GST side, a revenue collection averaging Rs. 1.05 lakh crores in the last two consecutive months. I am confident that all of you will ensure that revenue collection during this month remains well above this mark.
The DGGI has been spear heading the anti-evasion campaign for almost a month now. During this time, the agency along with the GST Zones have booked about 1230 cases, unearthing 3778 fake GSTINs and arresting about 114 fraudsters. The total amount of fake ITC/GST detected stands at Rs. 11,520 crore of which Rs 336.03 crore has already been recovered. They have been successful even in exposing a few professionals who were lubricating this illegal invoice machinery with their advice and participation. The results are satisfying, but a lot more needs to be done. Congratulations to the officers for this success.
Before signing off, I would like to wish you and your family’s good health and cheer.
with best wishes
Your Sincerely
(M. Ajit Kumar)
To,
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
