Customs - Monitoring and Accountability
IN the same meeting, it was submitted:
Notwithstanding the fact that the Customs Department has taken several steps at simplification at the Policy level, much needs to be done at the operational level. Here strong processes need to be laid down at monitoring delays in clearance at the Customs level. A systematic approach to be taken to suo moto do such monitoring by senior officials at least at the Additional Commissioners or Commissioners level. Such cases of delay be studied in depth and accountably fixed. In case, it is found that the delay was due to wrong application of certain parameters by the officials concerned, then a disciplinary and /or vigilance inquiry be instituted.
If there are continuous complaints against a particular official suitable disciplinary action, in consultation with CBEC, be taken. Customs Department plays a very important role in the management of the country's foreign trade and hence the steps mooted above assume tremendous importance.
The Department replied,
+ Specific time has been allocated to attend taxpayers for expeditious redressal of their grievances on Wednesdays (9 A.M. to 1 P.M.) as ‘Wednesdays' has been designated as Taxpayers' day
+ All Senior Officers including all the Commissioners are available all days of the week and any person can approach them anytime in case of any difficulty.
+ They have a system in place for monitoring the behaviour and activities of the Officer. Performance of the Officers is monitored continuously and the same is appropriately reflected.
+ In case anything adverse is being noticed against any officer, necessary action is being initiated to discipline the concerned officer.