(Rs. in crore)
Head | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
Customs | 14867 | 18144 | 22.0 |
Central Excise | 17884 | 23154 | 29.5 |
Service Tax | 1328 | 2111 | 58.9 |
Total | 34079 | 43409 | 27.4 |
The Newspapers in December 2013 reported a similar statement of the FIEO President. Look at the near identical statement reported then.
We have been requesting the customs authorities to clear the claims but they do not seem to be responding. They appear to be more concerned about meeting their revenue targets.
He said that liquidity is a big issue for exports and pending claims of refund of service tax, duty drawback, rebate claims and VAT are affecting exports.
At present, out of 118 ports, in 103 ports duty drawback claims alone are pending to the tune of Rs. 4,821 crore .
The CBEC clarification does not exactly answer the alleged grievance of the FIEO President. He says that pending claims have touched Rs. 19,000 Crores and is likely to reach Rs. 25,000 Crores soon. The CBEC clarification only says that they have given more refunds this year than they did last year. Will the Board please clarify whether claims to the tune of Rs. 20,000 Crores are pending with the Department? If it is true, the Board is throttling exports and exporters. And this is totally anti national. Incentives for exports are not alms doled out by the Board - Export is a National Priority and the Board should not be a stumbling block.