Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday issued a stern warning to officials of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) over growing instances of corruption, saying that a few "black sheep" were damaging the credibility of the entire tax administration.
Speaking at the inauguration of the CGST Bhawan in Ghaziabad, FM Sitharaman expressed deep disappointment over reports of bribery and misconduct within the system. Her remarks follow the Chennai Customs bribery case, where Tamil Nadu-based importer Wintrack alleged corruption by certain customs officials.
"The people of India are disappointed. A few officials are so disserving to the institution," Sitharaman said, addressing senior officers from the GST and customs departments.
'Integrity and Fairness Are Non-Negotiable'
The Finance Minister stressed that integrity and fairness must remain the bedrock of tax administration. Urging officers to maintain high ethical standards, she remarked:
"Galat kiya toh khair nahi, sahi kiya toh vair nahi should be the motto for GST investigations."
She explained that the system must be strict against wrongdoers but equally fair toward honest taxpayers, ensuring balanced enforcement and trust in the tax regime.
Directives to Strengthen Vigilance and Technology Use
Sitharaman instructed CGST and customs field formations to bolster internal vigilance mechanisms and ensure that disciplinary proceedings against erring officials are completed swiftly and without unnecessary delay.
She also directed departments to:
- Set up dedicated grievance redressal teams for timely resolution of taxpayer complaints.
- Use technology to detect fake invoices and wrongful input-tax-credit (ITC) claims.
- Implement mapping mechanisms to identify recurring issues and systemic loopholes.
"Don't wait for guidelines-solve problems with a thinking mind," Sitharaman told officers, signalling the ministry's impatience with procedural delays and bureaucratic inertia.
Focus on Rebuilding Trust and Efficiency
The Finance Minister's comments come at a time when the government is pushing to enhance taxpayer trust through transparency and accountability in tax administration. Her strong remarks underscore the need to restore public confidence in GST and customs operations by weeding out corruption and inefficiency.
The CBIC, under the Ministry of Finance, plays a crucial role in indirect tax collection, customs enforcement, and trade facilitation. Sitharaman's message is seen as both a warning to corrupt elements and a call to action for honest officers committed to public service.
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