Highlights efforts during Covid pandemic, support to trade & industry
VASCO
Commissioner of Customs (Goa) Mihir Ranjan has said the Goa Customs had disbursed Rs 116 crore in the form of refund and drawback as compared to Rs 75 crore during the corresponding period of the previous year.
Ranjan was speaking at a function to mark International Customs Day and dignitaries at the function included GMC Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar, Commissioner of GST V Soundararajan and Dabolim Airport Director Dr Gagan Malik.
The celebration for this year was dedicated to the united efforts of Customs to emerge from the coronavirus crisis and support people and businesses by strengthening the global supply chain, reinforcing collaboration, harnessing technology and putting people at the centre of the transformation process.
Commissioner of Customs Mihir Ranjan introduced the EXIM fraternity with next generation reforms that has been brought into the Indian Customs.
“This includes Turant Customs, strongly enabled by technology which is faceless, contactless and paperless. Anonymity in assessment is a core feature of the Faceless Assessment initiative which is making the Customs clearance even more transparent.”
“In 2020, the Customs took a number of measures to bolster recovery from the hardships caused by the Covid pandemic and renewal of trade and industry and other stakeholders.” “These resilient measures include 24x7 Customs functioning, single window help desk on the CBIC website, waiver of late fee for delays in filing Bills of Entry, temporarily dispensing with submission of bonds, wherever required, etc.,” said Ranjan.
He added that the Customs provided immediate relief to business entities, especially MSMEs, and had introduced special drives for priority disposal of refund and drawback claims.
“Customs officials worked 24X7, be it from home, office or any third place customs officials were at, due to travel restrictions, to dispose all genuine refund and drawback cases on a priority basis.”
“Goa Customs has disbursed a total of Rs 116 crore in the form of Refund and Drawback as compared to Rs 75 crore during the corresponding period of previous year,” said Ranjan.
Dr Bandekar lauded the Customs for playing a key role in clearance of crucial PPE Kits, RT PCR Kits and ensured timely delivery of medications and ventilators when there was a surge spike in its demand.
On the occasion, meritorious officers were felicitated for their outstanding performance and excellence in duties, while the families of the officers also presented cultural performances.
India celebrates International Customs Day to commemorate the inaugural session of the Customs Cooperation Council in Brussels on January 26, 1953. Since January 26 is devoted to Republic Day celebrations, the Customs Day is celebrated in India on January 27.
