Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 19/04/2021

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
North Block, New Delhi-110001
Tel. No. +91-11-23092849, Fax : +91-11-23092890
E-mail : ajit.m@gov.in

D.O.No.63/CH(IC)/2020

Date: 19th April, 2021

Dear Colleague

As part of the ongoing celebrations to commemorate the forthcoming 75th Independence Day of the nation, under the `Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ program, the week gone by saw a series of initiatives and activities by the Department. Our officers actively participated in Blood Donation Camps, Free Medical Camps (following Covid protocol), Webinars, International Talks, Walkathon, Cycle Expeditions, Tree Plantation Drives, Covid Vaccination Drives, etc. on the 13th of April, 2021. On the same day, the Board also presented memorabilia to the Hon’ble Finance Minister in memory of the courage, heroism and sacrifice of the ‘Martyrs’ of the unfortunate occurrence on 13th April, 1919, in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. A brochure showcasing the initiatives taken by the CBIC for the `Tika Utsav’ and `Amrut Mahotsav’ was also presented.

In keeping with welfare initiatives to be undertaken this year, I, along with Member (Inv.), DG, DGHRD and other senior officers visited the ongoing projects of DGGI’s proposed office and also CGST Delhi’s upcoming residential complex, both in Dwarka, Delhi. I am confident that both these state-of-the-art projects would be completed early for the benefit of the officers and staff.

On the anti-smuggling front, Customs officers at the IGI Airport intercepted and arrested two individuals coming from abroad and seized 14 Kgs of a white substance prima facie confirmed found to be Heroin. Officers in Lucknow, in two different cases made at the Lucknow International Airport, seized gold weighing about 2.3 Kgs valued at Rs. 1.13 crore and 33 Gold Biscuits weighing 3.8 Kgs and valued at Rs. 1.89 crore. Chennai Airport officers rummaged an aircraft from Dubai and recovered 6 Kgs of Gold valued at Rs 2.90 crore. I congratulate the officers for their alertness and their success in thwarting these illicit activities.

On the GST front, the CGST Commissionerate, Ghaziabad unearthed a GST fake invoice fraud of taxable value of Rs. 154 crore (approx.) and passing of fake Input Tax Credit of Rs. 23.53 crore (approx.) involving more than 30 firms. Two persons involved in the creation of these fake firms were arrested. The alertness of the officers even in these trying times is commendable.

The DG, DGHRD has addressed a timely letter to all the Zonal and Directorate Chiefs, informing them about its decision to maintain a central repository of officers and staff who have lost their valiant fight against Covid 19. This would help the Board to assess the gravity of the matter and take appropriate action. It will also help monitor timely financial support being made to the families of the deceased. Request one and all to give this report top priority.

Friends, we are going through a very tough and difficult time in the midst of the second wave of the Covid pandemic. The virus is sneaking in on us in myriad ways. It is absolutely essential during this period to strictly follow covid appropriate behaviour and hygiene at workplaces apart from getting inoculated promptly. Only responsible behaviour and conduct by one and all would enable us to win this battle. I wish you and your family members good health and cheer.

with best wishes

Yours sincerely

(M. Ajit Kumar)

To,

All Officers and Staff of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs