The weekly newsletter from the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) dated 13th May 2024 provides insights into recent activities, enforcement actions, capacity building initiatives, and interactions with stakeholders.
The newsletter begins with the Chairman’s visit to Mumbai, where he engaged with senior officers, gaining valuable feedback on tax policies and operational challenges. Sessions with trade associations and officers’ associations highlighted alignment with departmental objectives.
Capacity building initiatives, such as NACIN Bhopal’s educational series and the release of “ABCD of GST” training material, underscore CBIC’s commitment to professional development. Enforcement efforts, including data analytics-driven crackdowns on non-existent entities and fake registrations, demonstrate proactive measures to safeguard revenue.
On the customs front, the Delhi Zonal Unit’s seizure of foreign-origin gold showcases successful anti-smuggling operations. Additionally, proactive measures by the Jaipur CGST Zone in identifying fake units contribute to revenue protection.
The Chairman also commends the dedication of young probationers from the Indian Cost and Accounts Service, encouraging them to utilize their expertise in serving the nation.
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Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 20/News Letter/CH(IC)/2024 Dated: 13th May, 2024
Dear Colleague,
Last week, I visited Mumbai and interacted with the senior officers of the Zones and Directorates located there. Such interactions provide crucial feedback towards the implementation of tax policies, identifying bottlenecks, and addressing emerging challenges in the field. It also helps me in evaluating the performance of the zones, identifying areas for improvement, and streamlining processes. After my visit, I have come back to Delhi with a far better understanding of the local operations at Nhava Sheva Port and the needs of the Zones and Directorates in Mumbai.
Furthermore, I held sessions with the trade associations as well as the officers’ associations. Both these sessions were informative and gave me confidence that the stakeholders are appreciative and aligned towards the objectives of the Department.
I have, in the past, highlighted the importance of capacity building. The initiative of NACIN Bhopal – 
– has recently crossed 100th episode in the series. It is an immensely popular initiative which is both informational and educative. NACIN Bhopal has also prepared induction training material by releasing the book “ABCD of GST’ which will be very useful for newly recruited officers.
In enforcement, using comprehensive data analytical tools on HSN, trend analysis and supply chain analysis, the Panchkula Zone cracked down on nonexistent entities dealing mainly in iron and steel, metal/ plastic waste and scrap items. In a coordinated effort by various CGST Commissionerates of the Zone, 73 GSTIN(s) were found to be non-existent. These firms had issued bogus bills to the tune of Rs 1100 Crores involving a tax amount of roughly Rs 197.02 crores. My compliments to the CIU team of the Panchkula zone and the officers of the Commissionerates involved in the operation.
I also noticed that Jaipur CGST Zone has launched a programme to keep a watch over new registrants and to identify potentially fake units by deploying data analytical tools. The results have been encouraging so far and 13 fake units were identified last month. I am sure such proactive measures will help in safeguarding the revenue.
On the Customs side, DRI Delhi Zonal Unit recently seized a total of 31.4 Kgs of Foreign Origin Gold valued at Rs. 20.5 Crores which were concealed in ‘lens center instrument’ in the form of round disks in an Air Cargo Consignment imported from Hong Kong. During the investigation, the premises to be used for extraction/ melting was located and three members of the smuggling syndicate have been arrested. Outstanding case!
Last week, I had the privilege of meeting with the bright young probationers of the Indian Cost and Accounts Service. All the officers are highly qualified professionals and some of them are already associated in the CBIC field formations. I wish them all the best in their service and urge them to utilise their professional expertise in the journey of India from Amrit Kaal to Kartavya Kaal.
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
