FinMin asks CBEC to file reports on monthly basis only

NEW DELHI: Faced with duplication of work and wastage of resources in dealing with litigation matters, the finance ministry has asked the Central Board of Excise and Customs to file reports to Directorate of Legal Affairs (DLA) on monthly basis only.

Besides, it has also instructed that henceforth only zonal chief commissioners would file reports as against the earlier practice where field formations used to send the files.

"It has been decided to call for a comprehensive monthly report as part of the Monthly Technical Report (MTR) being sent by the field formations in matters concerning Legal and Judicial Sections of the board as well as the Directorate of Legal Affairs (DLA)," the Revenue Department said in a circular.

It said the step has been initiated to do away with duplication of reports and curb wastage of time and resources.

"It has been noticed that several reports are received by the Judicial and Review section and the Legal section of the Board as well as the DLA in matters relating to litigation. Many of the reports contain similar or identical information and some of them have outlived their utility and are not required any more," it said in circular.

The matter of duplication and wastage had, In fact, come up for discussion during the annual conference of CBEC's chief commissioners and directors general held last year.

The Revenue Department said field formation would not have to send reports from now.

"It is again reiterated that the Commissioners will not send any MTR to Legal, Judicial/Review cell of CBEC or the DLA. The zonal chief commissioner will send the MTRs containing the compiled annexures...," it said.