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, Fax : +91-11-23092890
E-mail : [email protected]
Vivek Johri, Chairman
DO No. 55/CH(IC)/2022 Dated: 19th December, 2022
Elegant and beautiful they are known for their fluidity in the water, their power as they soar in the sky and their grace and poise on land. Their long necks and slender bodies impart a regal and majestic appearance and they are often portrayed as symbols of peace, grace and enlightenment.
A swan is indeed a remarkable creature. Despite their graceful and peaceful nature, swans are also powerful and strong. The serenity and fluidity of their movement on water is powered by consistent and silent hard work under the surface. It is for these qualities that a swan, named Officer Hans, was chosen as a mascot for Indian Customs as part of the celebrations of 60 years of the Customs Act.
Speaking at an event organized to mark the occasion, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman expressed her appreciation for the exemplary work done by Customs officers, often in trying circumstances and underscored the need for our officers to be ready for newer technological challenges.
On the occasion, a Compendium on Ease of Doing Business Reforms undertaken by the department was also released. This is an initiative to put in one place the details of various trade facilitation initiatives. The Compendium is a handy guide that traces the reforms journey that Customs laws and procedures have made over the last few years.
On the anti-smuggling side, officers of Delhi Airport Customs intercepted an international passenger who was found to be carrying over 1,000 gms of Cocaine valued at Rs. 15.36 cr. Sincere congratulations to the officers for a fine detection.
Destruction of seized goods is a natural adjunct to the efforts made by our officers to interdict contraband. In a special drive, last week officers of the Customs (Preventive) Commissioner ate, Vijay wada destroyed 1.23 Crore seized Cigarette sticks (19,500 kgs.). Efforts such as these underscore the role of Customs in ensuring public safety. Kudos to the officers for an excellent initiative.
The week gone by saw Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman lay the foundation stone for the new office complex of Chennai Customs, Vaigai’. The proposed building would also house a number of Partner Government Agencies and provide integrated services to the trade under a single roof.
Hon’ble Minister also inaugurated Departmental Residential Quarters at Central Revenue Colony at Anna Nagar in Chennai comprising of six high rise towers of 18 floors each with modern amenities. The project would go a long way in addressing the housing needs of our officers in Chennai.
Before I sign off for the week, I would like to share about a Crèche operationalized in the Chennai Custom House. Tastefully and thoughtfully appointed the Crèche provides a much needed facility which helps our officers take care of their young ones close to their place of work. Sincere Congratulations to Pr. Director General, Directorate General of Human Resource Development as well as Chief Commissioner, Chennai Customs Zone and their respective teams for their hard work in bringing these projects to fruition.
Till next week!
Yours Sincerely,
(Vivek Johri)
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
