Inspectors, examiners and Preventive officers to be called 'Customs and Excise officers'
More than three years ago in 14 2 2005, we had reported the Bharadwaj Committee's recommendations, inter alia, to re-designate Inspectors as Customs and Excise officers. After more than three years - and God knows in which cabinet the file is gathering dust. The word 'Inspector' carries with it several contours ranging from contempt to fear. We have all kinds of inspectors - sanitary inspectors, drug inspectors, police inspectors and of course excise inspectors. The word conjures up the ugly image assigned to Inspector Raj. The very fact that somebody is going to inspect you makes you feel a little suspect - a little less. Maybe we should find a more trade friendly name. The Head of Canadian Police is called Chief Constable.