Introduction: The recent CBIC newsletter reflects on the vibrant Republic Day parade, the enthusiastic celebration of International Customs Day, and significant achievements in the fight against gold smuggling. This comprehensive overview showcases the commitment of Indian Customs to excellence and global competitiveness.
Detailed Analysis:
1. Republic Day Parade Highlights: The newsletter begins with a reflection on the 75th Republic Day parade, emphasizing its role in showcasing India’s cultural diversity and military prowess. The symbolic march down the Kartavya Path underscores the strength, resilience, and collective spirit of the nation.
2. International Customs Day Celebrations: The newsletter joyously recounts the celebrations of International Customs Day across various customs formations in the country. The theme, “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” emphasizes the need for global collaboration and partnerships. Recognition of outstanding contributions and awards, including the WCO Certificate of Merit, adds a touch of pride to the festivities.
3. Book Releases and Compendium on Ease of Doing Business: CBIC released a historical book, “Indian Customs: Evolution of Multifaceted Partnerships,” tracing the Customs’ journey from ancient times to the contemporary era. Additionally, a Compendium on Ease of Doing Business was launched, highlighting measures to improve trade facilitation.
4. DRI’s Successful Anti-Smuggling Operations: The newsletter highlights the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence’s relentless efforts against gold smuggling. Two notable cases are discussed, involving the interception of gold-laden electric meters and a significant seizure in West Bengal. The officers’ vigilance and strategic operations demonstrate the department’s commitment to curbing illegal activities.
Conclusion: The newsletter concludes with a note of appreciation for the dedication and outstanding achievements of officers, partner agencies, and organizations contributing to the success of Indian Customs. The dynamic blend of celebrations, recognitions, and anti-smuggling operations reflects the CBIC’s multifaceted approach to fostering excellence and security in customs administration.
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
29th January, 2024
DO No. 05/News Letter/CH(IC)/2024
Dear Colleague,
As the contingents in the 75th Republic Day parade march down the Kartavya Path with precision and pride, I was reminded of the following lines from the revered poet, Dwarika Prasad Maheshwari:
During this annual spectacle, India showcased its rich cultural diversity and military prowess, commemorating the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. The parade was a vibrant display of India’s unity in diversity, featuring colourful floats representing different States, each adorned with unique cultural symbols and traditional performances. The Republic Day parade is not just a ceremonial event but a symbol of India’s democratic strength, resilience, and the collective spirit of its people. In a similar march towards Viksit Bharat, Indian Customs is committed to make Indian trade globally competitive. Also, I glanced through the Collage on social media showcasing the Republic Day 2024 celebrations by offices under CBIC. The enthusiasm was clearly visible in the pictures!
Last week, the Department also celebrated International Customs Day joyously across the various customs formations in the country, commemorating the inaugural session of the Customs Co-operation Council held on the 26th of January, 1953. The palpable enthusiasm the participating officers demonstrated was heartening, underscoring their commitment to the highest standards of professionalism. This year’s theme – Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose – underscores the imperative for Customs Administrations worldwide to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new alliances. The Secretary-General World Customs Organization (WCO), in his message, highlighted the unprecedented challenges before the Customs authorities which demands the global Customs community to take a forward-thinking approach to its work and seek solutions that are not just based on its own knowledge and resources but are supplemented by the support of stakeholders.
Amid the festivities, a moment of pride was reserved for recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations in customs administration. My heartfelt congratulations to the officers who have been awarded the WCO Certificate of Merit, and special congratulations to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization for their contributions as a partner agency in the smooth facilitation of Customs Clearances. Your dedication and outstanding achievements are a source of inspiration for the entire customs fraternity! On this occasion, CBIC released a book titled “Indian Customs: Evolution of Multifaceted Partnerships” which aims to showcase the historical journey of the Indian Customs, tracing its development from ancient times to the contemporary era. A Compendium on Ease of Doing Business was also released which focuses on the measures taken to improve Ease of Doing Business and enhance trade facilitation.
Continuing its fight against smuggling of gold into the country, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officers developed an intelligence and intercepted seven consignments of “Electric Current/Potential Meters” declared as “Current Guiaor Machine”, which had arrived from Hong Kong at the Foreign Post Office, New Delhi. Upon examination, the back covers of the said electric meters were found to be made of alloy containing 16.67 kg gold and 39.73 kg silver having approximate market value of Rs. 10.66 Crore. Each of the said cover weighed around 1Kg, much heavier than the usual weight. While the smugglers are innovating new ways to bring in the precious metals illegally, the Departmental officers are also upping their vigilante. Great work!
Another notable case in the drive against smuggled Gold which merits mention was booked by DRI Kolkata Zonal Unit. The officers mounted simultaneous search operations across West Bengal and seized 22.62 kg of smuggled gold valued at Rs. 14.24 Crore and arrested 12 persons. The officers displayed exceptional presence of mind and apprehended 3 motorcycles carrying 61 gold biscuits and bars weighing 7,199.970 grams coming towards Kolkata by keeping an eye on all possible entry points to the city of Kolkata.
Till next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
