Customs Officers at all sea ports and air ports to be open on 1st and 2nd January, 2005
Based on a request from the Apparel Export Promotion Council to keep the customs offices opened on 1st and 2nd January, in anticipation of heavy rush, without charging overtime, the Board has generously issued a circular that all customs offices at sea ports and air ports will be open on 1st and 2nd January, 2005 without charging overtime.
While this noble gesture of the Board in getting officers to work on the New Year Day is laudable, DDT brings to the notice of the Board such a decision had been taken nearly three years ago. Board had vide circular no. 5/2002-Cus dated 17-1-2002 instructed that the practice of collection of overtime fee for the officers posted at the gates is discontinued and the customs would work 24 hours a day 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Has the Board forgotten about this 24 x 7 x 365?