Promotion to post of Commissioner of Customs and Excise – Good News for both Appraiser Promotees and Direct Recruits
An Additional Commissioner told us recently that his batch mates are already Commissioners for the last four years and he is still languishing as an Additional Commissioner. The promotions have been embroiled in litigation between promotees and Direct Recruits. The issue is so overcharged that last time we reported about the loss of the file pertaining to promotion, we received quite a few mails and calls and each side accused us of supporting the other side. One of our editorial colleagues told an agitated caller, “we are not going to get the promotion; you are.”
In June 2008, the DPC had recommended promotion of 36 Additional Commissioners who were direct Recruit Assistant Commissioners. 12 vacancies pertaining to Appraiser Promotees were kept in abeyance. The promotee Assistant Commissioners who are now Additional Commissioners challenged this and got a stay.
To cut a long story short, the Delhi High Court has directed the Government to go ahead and promote those already recommended for promotion to the grade of Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise by the DPC held on 23rd June, 2008. Good News for Direct Recruits – 36 Additional Commissioners will become Commissioners.
The High Court has also directed the Government to hold the DPC to consider the promotee Appraisers and Superintendents (who are now Additional Commissioners) for promotion to the grade of Commissioner. This is to be held latest by 31st December, 2008. Good News for promotes too. By beginning of next year, they too will get promotion.
Let them all live happily ever after.
We bring you this important High Court order today. See Breaking News.