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
M. Ajit Kumar,
Chairman
D.O.No. 05/CH(IC)/2020
Dated: 9th March, 2020
Last week ended on a pleasant note with the celebration of Women’s Day. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful and inspiring work of the women in our own service. I join our service members in extending heartfelt greetings to all our women officers and staff.
In my earlier letter I had called for a prompt and effective response to the_ challenges posed by the Corona Virus. I am happy to inform you that the officers and staff of Delhi Customs at Indira Gandhi International Airport provided efficient assistance in the smooth clearance of 883 passengers (842 Indians & 41 foreign nationals) spread across 4 flights of special aircrafts from China and Japan. Dedicated customs staff was provided for processing passengers before they were shifted to special quarantine facilities.
It is also a matter of great satisfaction that all the zones have responded positively and promptly in ensuring that our personnel whose work brings them in contact with passengers from abroad, whether by sea or air, were provided with personal sanitization and protection articles including masks to reduce their vulnerability to the virus. We have to be very vigilant in this regard. The Swachh Bharat initiative of the Government has had a tremendous positive impact on the environment both at work as well as in our homes. I would urge you to continue to persist in this endeavour especially in the present situation where hygiene and cleanliness have become a priority, not just at the ports but in all our offices across the country.
On the staff welfare and infrastructure front, the persistent efforts of all officers concerned in the Ministry, DGHRD(Infra.), and those in the field formations of Hyderabad and Jaipur CGST Zones, have culminated in the administrative approval and expenditure sanction for the purchase of land measuring 3 acres, at the cost of Rs. 58.37 Crores, for construction of the office building for CGST Ranga Reddy Commissionerate and Audit-I & Audit-II Commissionerates and construction of the office building for CGST Commissionerate, Audit Circle, Export Promotion Circle and guest house at Udaipur at the cost of Rs. 42.07 Crores. Congratulations to all of them.
The steady progress in acquisition of infrastructure assets to provide officers and staff a conducive working environment is appreciable. At the same time, it casts a responsibility on us to ensure timely and complete utilisation of funds and close monitoring and frequent interaction with the agencies responsible for project execution so that we build world class facilities. I am sure that all Chief Commissioners/ Directors General would monitor the progress on a regular basis and ensure timely completion of projects of a high standard.
The 3rd National GST Conference held on 6.03.2020 at New Delhi saw senior tax administrators from the Centre and the States share their best practices and work together to form a consensus on GST policy matters. We need to build on this synergy at the Zonal level also to ensure the timely resolution of local issues through the newly constituted Public Grievance Redressal Committees to the benefit of the taxpayer.
While incentivising exports is a priority, it is equally important to monitor export obligations. In this regard, I commend NACIN, Chennai, and Commissioner Customs Ms. Sudha Koka for having organised a video conference connecting 34 customs locations for a fruitful exchange of ideas. I am sure that if the action points discussed are implemented earnestly, it will positively impact our revenue collection efforts without, in any manner, hindering exports. Let such good initiatives continue.
I am given to understand that the All India Central Revenue Cultural Meet 2020 held at Jaipur on 06.03.2020 was a grand success. The Jaipur GST zone and participants who showcased their talents at the Meet deserve a special mention.
The week ahead commences with a colourful festival, Holi. Let us all celebrate Holi in its true spirit and in a safe manner. I would like to end by wishing all of you a very happy and joyous Holi.
Your sincerely
(M. Ajit Kumar)
To
All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
