Collection Boys (CBs) in Customs
WHAT do the Collection Boys, sweetly called as CBs do in the Customs? They are not officials of the Customs but touts hired by the officials to strike deals with clients.
This not really shocking remarks were made by a Member in a meeting of the Permanent Trade Facilitation Committee (PTFC) of the JN Customs last month. The Member said,
There is a general feeling in Trade circles that to get any work done in the Customs, bribes have to be paid in quite a number of the cases. This is more so at the operational level of Appraising, Examination, etc. At most senior levels, there is good cooperation, probity and integrity. Sad to say, this is absent at the operational level in quite a number of cases. So much so, it has been alleged that certain officers have hired TOUTS who are known as "Collection Boys" (CBs). It has been alleged that these CBs have to be contacted and deals struck in case the clearances have to be facilitated, otherwise artificial delays are created. It is further alleged that these CBs have very powerful Godfathers who give them protection and cover. This aspect needs to be looked into and remedial measures taken. This is more so in view of the strong stand taken by the Prime Minister to root out corruption.
The Department replied,
+ 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 behavior 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.
(Point closed)