Uniform For Central Excise Officers - Archaic?
A Superintendent of Central Excise writes in:
In the , you have stated that 335J register has become archaic. Well said. Not only 335J register, uniform for Excise officers has also become archaic consequent on the scrapping of Tobacco Excise Manual in 1979. The Central Information Commission vide Order F.No.CIC/AT/A/2009/000832 dated, the 29th January, 2010 has stated as follows:
"6. It is seen that the CBEC has not formulated clear guidelines about the use of uniform by officers, Equipment Advances and its relationship with the uniform usage, etc. Apparently, these rules did exist a long time ago before Independence and had been followed more in the form of conventions than any set written directions.
7. Now that this point has been raised, CBEC may consider issuing detailed and clear guidelines in this regard."
Despite the above order, various Commissionerates insist on wearing of the uniform and CBEC has not issued any guidelines in this regard as mandated by the CIC. Certain anomalies relating to prescription of uniform for Central excise Executive Officers are as follows:
++ Uniform equipment allowance is granted only once in the career. Thereafter, maintenance allowance alone is granted. It implies that the officers are required to continue the same set of uniform materials for about 4 decades. Will the uniform last for 4 decades, even if it is made of Iron and steel?
++ As per 1967 CBEC Bulletin, certain uniform articles have been prescribed for various cadres. The post of Deputy Collector was also specified in that order. The post of Deputy Collector as mentioned in the 1963 order is equivalent to the post of Joint Commissioner. (not equivalent to the current Deputy Commissioners). In that case, why uniform is not insisted on the Joint Commissioners? Is there any amendment to the aforesaid order? Will anybody throw light on this aspect?
++ There is no prescription of physical standards or endurance test for recruitment to the post of Examiners and Appraisers. Some of the Examiners and Appraisers may not have the requisite height and other physical standards. There is no problem so long they stay as non-executive officers within the comfortable zone of Custom House, where they are not expected to be in uniform. But, after getting promotion to the post of Asst. Commissioner, they are expected to be in uniform. Will the norms for prescription of uniform not apply to those officers? Is there any prescription of physical standards for direct recruit IRS officers?.
++ It seems Indian Customs and Central Excise is the only Department in the World, which prescribes uniform without insistence on the physical standards.
While the fight of the executives against uniform is understandable, almost all of them are claiming uniform allowance of Rs. 2000/- very promptly. Why they should have double standards? They are not inclined to wear the uniform, but keen to get Rs. 2000/-