AIASCT CEC Reviews Three Months of Progress; Charts Future Course

 Dear Members,

Warm greetings to all of you!

As informed earlier, an online meeting of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT) was convened on 11th July 2026 on completion of the first three months of the tenure of the present Central Committee. Representatives from Units across the country participated in the meeting and deliberated on various organisational and service matters concerning the cadre.

The Minutes of the Meeting, incorporating the discussions, resolutions and decisions taken by the CEC, are now presented for the information of all members.

The Secretary General placed before the CEC the report on the activities undertaken by the All India Body during the first three months of the tenure of the present Central Committee, which had already been shared with the members through the Association's blog on 11th July 2026. The ensuing discussion centred on the major initiatives taken by the Association, including follow-up with the CBIC on the All India Seniority List (AISL), promotion to the grade of Assistant Commissioner, Cadre Restructuring, the 8th Central Pay Commission, legal initiatives and organisational strengthening. The Treasurer thereafter apprised the CEC of the Association's financial position and the progress made towards renewal of its recognition.

Representatives from various Units shared their views on organisational and service matters. The discussions primarily focused on the urgent need for early finalisation of the AISL, timely conduct of DPCs, cadre restructuring, prevention of victimisation of office bearers, strengthening of Units and better coordination across Zones. Members also discussed a future strategy to pursue these issues through sustained engagement with the Board while keeping organisational options open if necessary.

After detailed deliberations, the CEC unanimously resolved:

Ø that the All India Body shall continue to accord priority to the early finalisation of the All India Seniority List (AISL), conduct of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC), Cadre Restructuring, prevention of victimisation of office bearers, organisational strengthening, and other service matters affecting the cadre.

 

Ø that sustained engagement and continuous dialogue with the Board and other competent authorities shall remain the Association's primary strategy for securing the early resolution of these issues. However, if no meaningful progress is achieved within a reasonable time, particularly in respect of the AISL and DPC, the All India Body, in consultation with the Central Executive Committee, shall initiate appropriate organisational programmes, including lawful and peaceful agitational measures, in a phased manner to safeguard the legitimate interests of the cadre.

To further strengthen the organisational framework, the CEC unanimously approved the nomination of Shri Ajit K. G. as Secretary (Legal) and Shri Amar Anand as Organising Secretary. The Secretary General also nominated Shri Raju Halder from Kolkata Unit and Shri Sanjay Kumar from Pune Unit as members of the Core Committee in accordance with the Constitution of AIASCT.

The CEC welcomed the proposal of the Bhopal Unit to host the next physical meeting of the Central Executive Committee. After deliberations, it was unanimously resolved that the next CEC Meeting would be hosted by the Bhopal Unit, with the exact dates to be finalised by the President and the Secretary General in consultation with the host Unit.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to work collectively for the welfare of the cadre and to pursue the Association's priorities with unity, dedication and sustained engagement with the authorities.

Fraternally Yours,

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General

Click here for the Minutes of Online CEC Meeting held on 11the July 2026 

Constructive Engagement with the CBIC Chairman: AIASCT Follows Up on Key Cadre Issues

 

Continuing its sustained efforts to address the long-pending service concerns of the executive cadre, AIASCT President Shri Santosh Kumar, along with the office bearers of the AIASCT Kolkata Unit, called on the Chairman, CBIC, during his visit to Kolkata. Under the leadership of the AIASCT President, the delegation held a constructive discussion with the Chairman on several important cadre-related issues affecting officers across the country.

The meeting provided an opportunity to follow up on several long-pending cadre-related issues that had earlier been taken up by the Association with the Hon'ble Chairman during its meeting in New Delhi. The discussions primarily focused on Cadre Restructuring, finalisation of the All India Seniority List (AISL), conduct of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC), the N.R. Parmar issue, Review DPC in Kolkata Zone and infrastructure and workload-related concerns.

AIASCT President and Office Bearers of Kolkata Unit with the Chairman, CBIC

CADRE RESTRUCTURING

The Association reiterated its request for the early implementation of Cadre Restructuring, recalling the assurance given by the Hon’ble Chairman during the earlier meeting in Delhi that AIASCT would be invited for a detailed discussion once the High-Level Committee submitted its report. During the meeting, the Chairman informed the delegation that the Committee's report is yet to be placed before him. He further assured that after examining the report, the Board would consider the Association's demands and hold a detailed discussion to address the outstanding issues.

AISL AND DPC – HOPE FOR LONG AWAITED PROMOTIONS

The issue of finalisation of the All India Seniority List (AISL) and the consequential Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for promotion to the grade of Assistant Commissioner was discussed in detail.

The Chairman informed the Association that the Vadodara Chief Commissionerate would be filing an appeal in the related matter. Simultaneously, the Review DPC from the Ministerial Cadre to Inspector has already been initiated by Delhi and the exercise is expected to be completed at the earliest. He further indicated that the DPC process is likely to be completed within the next three months.

The Association earnestly requested that the DPC be conducted without further delay, highlighting the plight of officers who have rendered nearly 35 years of dedicated service and are still awaiting only their second promotion. AIASCT emphasised that timely completion of the promotion process is essential to address decades of stagnation experienced by the executive cadre.

N.R. PARMAR ISSUE – NEED FOR UNIFORM IMPLEMENTATION

The Association sought clarity regarding the Board's position on the implementation of the N.R. Parmar judgment for the period prior to 2012, noting that multiple Zones continue to face litigation due to varying interpretations.

The Chairman clarified that the Board is bound by the policy and instructions issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) and cannot take a position inconsistent with those instructions.

REVIEW DPC IN KOLKATA ZONE

The delegation also raised the demand for holding a Review DPC in Kolkata Zone, informing the Chairman that representations had already been submitted by all Associations to the Chief Commissioner.

The Chief Commissioner, Kolkata Zone, who was present during the meeting, assured the Association that the matter would be examined appropriately.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND WORKLOAD RATIONALISATION

The Association also discussed infrastructure requirements and the uneven distribution of taxpayers among various Ranges.

The Chairman informed the delegation that proposals relating to infrastructure received by the Board have either already been sanctioned or are under active consideration. Regarding the imbalance in taxpayer distribution, he observed that the issue could be addressed at the Zonal level and is also expected to be taken care of through the Cadre Restructuring exercise.

LOOKING AHEAD

Owing to the limited time available, several other important service matters could not be discussed during the interaction. The Association hopes to take them up during the next meeting with the Hon’ble Chairman.

The meeting concluded on a positive and encouraging note. While several issues remain under consideration, the interaction reflects the continued engagement between the Association and the Board on matters of vital importance to the executive cadre.

AIASCT will continue to pursue these issues with sincerity, persistence and constructive dialogue, while keeping members informed of every significant development. The Association remains committed to securing timely solutions to the long-pending concerns of its members and ensuring that their legitimate expectations receive due consideration.

The Wait Must End!

 AIASCT seeks the Revenue Secretary's intervention for AISL & DPC.

Dear Esteemed Members,

Warm Greeting!

The pursuit of justice for our cadre continues with renewed resolve. As part of our sustained efforts to address the long-standing issues of All India Seniority List (AISL) and conduct of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for promotion from Superintendent to Assistant Commissioner, the Association has now taken the matter to the highest level in the Department by submitting a detailed representation to the Revenue Secretary seeking his intervention for an early resolution.

A Cadre Grappling with Unprecedented Stagnation

The Superintendent cadre is today witnessing one of the most prolonged phases of career stagnation in its history. A large number of officers are retiring after rendering more than 30 years of dedicated service with only one regular promotion in their entire career. This is not merely a question of delayed promotions—it is a matter of fairness, equity and recognition of decades of dedicated service.

The continued non-finalization of the AISL has consequently delayed the DPC for promotion to the grade of Assistant Commissioner, depriving eligible officers of their legitimate career progression. Every passing month sees more officers retire without receiving the promotion they rightfully deserve, resulting in an irreversible loss that no subsequent financial benefit can fully compensate.

1,534 Vacancies Demand Immediate Attention

One of the key concerns highlighted in the representation is that, as per the Disposition List (SS-WS) as on 01.06.2026, there are 1,534 vacancies in the grades of Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, the majority of which are promotional posts. Despite the availability of such a substantial number of vacancies, eligible officers continue to await consideration for promotion due to the pendency of the All India Seniority List (AISL). 

The Association has further pointed out that, as per the timelines prescribed by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) in O.M. No. 22011/4/2013-Estt.(D) dated 08.05.2017, the DPC for the vacancy year 2026 ought to have been completed by October 2025 itself. By this time, the process for the DPC for the vacancy year 2027 should ordinarily have been at an advanced stage. 

The continued delay has only prolonged stagnation in the Superintendent cadre and deprived eligible officers of their legitimate career progression.

AIASCT Strongly Supports Early Cadre Restructuring

The Association has once again reiterated its unequivocal support for the early implementation of Cadre Restructuring. Cadre Restructuring remains an essential long-term measure to address stagnation, strengthen the organisational framework and create better career opportunities for the cadre.

At the same time, the Association has submitted that when a substantial number of sanctioned promotional posts are already lying vacant, the assurance of creating additional Assistant Commissioner posts through Cadre Restructuring, without filling the existing vacancies, may not adequately instil confidence in the cadre regarding the intended improvement in career progression.

A Long-standing Injustice to the Central Excise Feeder Cadre

The representation also highlights the continuing injustice faced by officers of the Central Excise feeder cadre. Although Superintendents of Central Excise, Examiners and Preventive Officers entered the Department through the same recruitment examination, career progression has not been equitable.

In many instances, officers belonging to the Examiner and Preventive Officer streams have secured promotions to higher grades well before their seniors in the Central Excise feeder cadre. This disparity, particularly affecting officers serving in the most stagnating Central Excise Zones, has persisted for decades and deserves urgent corrective attention in the interest of fairness and equal opportunity.

Our Appeal to the Revenue Secretary

The representation submitted to the Revenue Secretary concludes with a request for his kind intervention to ensure an early resolution of this long-pending issue. AIASCT has requested that suitable directions be issued for the expeditious finalization of the All India Seniority List (AISL) of Superintendents of GST & Central Excise for the years 2014 and 2015; that the concerned authorities complete all remaining formalities within a definite timeframe, and;  that the long-awaited Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for promotion to the grade of Assistant Commissioner is convened at the earliest, thereby providing the long-overdue career progression to eligible officers.

Our Pursuit Continues

The issue of AISL and DPC has remained one of the Association's foremost priorities. The present Central Committee( All India Body) has continued this sustained effort through representations to the Chairman, CBIC, discussions during the Official Consultative Meeting, meetings with senior officers in New Delhi and, most recently, by submitting a detailed representation to the Revenue Secretary seeking his intervention for an early resolution.

The Association remains steadfast in its commitment to pursue this matter until a meaningful outcome is achieved.

Together Towards Justice and Career Progression

The strength of AIASCT lies in the unity and unwavering support of its members. Every representation, every meeting and every initiative is driven by a single objective—to secure fair, timely and equitable career progression for every Superintendent. We sincerely hope that the intervention sought from the Revenue Secretary will lead to the early finalization of the AISL and the conduct of the long-awaited DPC, bringing long-overdue relief to thousands of deserving officers across the country. However, if the issue continues to remain unresolved, the Association will be constrained to consider an appropriate future course of action in consultation with the members through our unit representatives. Any decision, including appropriate collective action, can succeed only with the active support and solidarity of every member of the Association. 

Together, we shall continue to strive for fairness, justice and timely career progression.

With confidence in our collective strength,

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General

(Click here for letter submitted to the Revenue Secretary)

AISL Finalization and DPC Delay: Association Demands Immediate Intervention

 

Dear Members,

Greetings of the day!

The Association has once again strongly taken up the issue of non-finalization of the All India Seniority List (AISL) of Superintendents of GST & Central Excise for the years 2014 and 2015 with the Chairman, CBIC through a detailed reminder representation (click to view).

Despite the conduct of DPCs for other Group ‘A’ cadres, the long-awaited promotion from Superintendent to Assistant Commissioner continues to remain stalled. The Association has categorically pointed out that the apparent reason for the non-conducting of the DPC is the non-finalization of the AISL.

It has been brought to the notice of the Board that the Zonal Seniority Lists from certain Zones are still pending, thereby delaying completion of the AISL process. The Association has reiterated that no legal or procedural impediment appears to remain for forwarding the pending Zonal Seniority Lists for finalization of the AISL.

The Association has firmly conveyed that the continued delay is causing serious prejudice to eligible officers across the country. Every passing month, officers are retiring without receiving their rightful promotional benefits, suffering irreparable loss in career progression, financial benefits and service recognition. This is not merely an administrative delay, but a legitimate and long-pending service issue directly affecting the morale and dignity of officers.

The Association has therefore urged the Chairman, CBIC to immediately intervene and direct all concerned authorities to forward the pending Zonal Seniority Lists without any further delay and ensure expeditious finalization of the AISL so that the long-awaited DPC for promotion to the grade of Assistant Commissioner can finally be conducted.

Dear Members, the Association remains fully committed to pursuing this issue with utmost seriousness and determination until the legitimate aspirations of eligible officers are addressed. Your continued support and solidarity strengthen our collective efforts in safeguarding the service interests of the cadre.

Unitedly, we shall continue to pursue the issue till its logical conclusion.

With fraternal regards!

 

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General

 

AIASCT- Cadre Restructuring Committee Constituted: Time for United and Determined Collective Action

With structured groundwork underway, members must prepare for a sustained and coordinated course to secure our rightful demands.

Dear Members of the AIASCT Fraternity,

Warm Greetings of the Day!

The XVIAll India Convention at Coimbatore held on 12–13 March 2026 deliberated in detail on the pressing need for cadre restructuring and emphasized the urgency of taking structured action on this long-pending issue. This was followed by the Association’s visit to Delhi on 7th and 8th April 2026, where the matter was taken up with senior officers including the Chairman, CBIC and DGHRD officials. Subsequently, in the meeting of the Central Committee, it was decided to take forward this issue in a focused and time-bound manner through the constitution of a dedicated Committee.

In furtherance of the above, the AIASCT has constituted a Cadre Restructuring Committee to undertake a comprehensive and structured exercise on this crucial issue.

The Committee will study past proposals, representations and memoranda made by the Association before the authorities and integrate the same into its exercise. It has been entrusted with undertaking a comprehensive review of the existing cadre structure, including identification of key challenges such as stagnation, promotional bottlenecks and functional imbalances across formations. The Committee will also examine structural requirements in light of the evolving role of the department and develop a pragmatic, forward-looking framework aligned with both administrative efficiency and the career progression of members.

The Committee comprises members from various zones and formations, ensuring broad-based representation. The names of the members have been notified separately. (Click here to view the notification of AIASCT – Cadre Restructuring Committee)

Importantly, the exercise will adopt a participative approach, inviting inputs, suggestions and data from units and members across the country. Based on detailed analysis and inputs, the Committee will prepare a structured and well-reasoned proposal/representation on cadre restructuring. The same will be placed before the Central Committee and Central Executive Committee for deliberation, prior to submission to the competent authorities. The Committee will also provide timely and continuous inputs to the Central Committee to support effective presentation and sustained follow-up of the issue before the authorities.

This initiative marks a crucial step in translating discussions at the policy level into concrete action. The Association remains actively engaged with the authorities and committed to pursuing this matter with sustained focus. Members are encouraged to actively contribute their inputs to this important exercise [E-mail: aisacbitc@gmail.com].

In the backdrop of the above developments, it is imperative that members remain prepared for a sustained and determined course of action. While the Association will continue to pursue the matter through all appropriate channels, members should be mentally and organizationally ready for the challenges that may arise in securing our legitimate demands. If required, this may entail collective efforts, including calibrated agitational programmes, to effectively convey the concerns of the cadre and achieve a just and favourable outcome.

With fraternal regards!

 

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General

Delhi Visit Update: A Step Forward on Key Cadre Issues

Dear Members,

Greetings of the Day!

Team AIASCT, undertook a two-day (7^th & 8^th April, 2026) visit to Delhi as part of a courtesy visit to engage with senior authorities. While the visit was primarily courtesy in nature, key cadre-related issues were also discussed in detail. The interactions were constructive and aimed at addressing long-pending concerns of the cadre.

On the first day, the team met officials of DGHRD as part of a courtesy visit. The interaction was held in a very cordial atmosphere, with officers taking keen interest in understanding and discussing the core issues concerning the cadre. Key matters, particularly the preparation of the All India Seniority List (AISL) and cadre restructuring, were discussed in detail among other issues.

Regarding AISL, it was informed that the Zonal Seniority Lists from three zones - Delhi, Lucknow, and Vadodara are still pending. DGHRD is actively pursuing the matter and has requested the Association also to take all possible steps to expedite the process so as to facilitate the conduct of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) at the earliest.

On cadre restructuring, a constructive discussion took place. It was conveyed that the number of posts is being examined based on functional requirements. The team emphasised the need to ensure that restructuring translates into tangible improvements in career progression. DGHRD appreciated the inputs shared and invited the Association for a follow-up meeting on the next day, specifically to deliberate further on cadre restructuring, where greater clarity was expected.

On 08.04.2026, Team AIASCT met the Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, as part of a courtesy visit. The Member (Admin) also joined the discussion. The meeting was held in a very cordial and positive atmosphere, with the Chairman being receptive to the concerns raised.

The issue of delay in receipt of Zonal Seniority Lists from 3 zones was apprised to the Chairman, emphasizing its direct impact on finalisation of AISL and the consequent delay in conducting the DPC. The Chairman assured that the matter would be actively followed up by his office.

The team also discussed several important issues, including the 01.01.1996 matter, cadre restructuring, draft guidelines for Zonal AGT, scheduling of OCM and other related concerns. The Chairman responded positively and encouraged the Association to extend constructive support for the overall benefit of the cadre. Certain issues were flagged to the Member (Admin) for necessary follow-up. The team also met separately with the Member (Admin) and elaborated on these matters in detail.

Team AIASCT with Chairman and Member (Admin), CBIC

In continuation, the team met JS (Admin), CBIC, and acknowledged her proactive intervention in the regularisation issue of Superintendents under Mumbai CCA. It was conveyed that the matter would be examined further upon receipt of the pending reply from the concerned CCA.

The team also revisited DGHRD for a detailed discussion on cadre restructuring. DGHRD provided a comprehensive briefing on the draft restructuring model being developed based on workload and functional requirements, including aspects relating to Branch B service. The team highlighted the concerns of members and strongly advocated for improved career progression avenues. The Association assured full and constructive support in the restructuring process. DGHRD was receptive to the suggestions and has invited the Association to submit detailed, data-backed inputs to make the proposal more justifiable.

Overall, the two-day visit to Delhi and meetings with various authorities were meaningful. The engagements reflect a constructive and forward-looking dialogue between the Association and the administration. It is hoped that the issues taken up will see positive and timely progress in the larger interest of the cadre.

With Fraternal Regards,

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General
AIASCT

Call for Members’ Inputs for 8th Central Pay Commission Questionnaire and Memorandum

Dear Members,

 

Greetings of the Day!         

       As you are aware, the process of seeking inputs from stakeholders in connection with the 8th Central Pay Commission has commenced, and organisations across the country, including those under the NJCM framework, have initiated steps to submit structured responses within the stipulated timeline. The 8th Central Pay Commission have sought inputs in a structured manner through a Questionnaire with 18 questions hosted on the MyGov.in web portal from various stakeholders including employees of Government, employees of Union Territories, Associations or Unions of serving or retired employees, pensioners and individuals.

    

    In this connection members of All India Association of Central Tax (AIASCT) are encouraged to submit inputs in their individual capacities by answering those questions in context to our cadre and service at large. Link for the same is: https://www.mygov.in/mygov-survey/8th-central-pay-commission-questionnaire/. Date to submit the online response has been extended till 31.03.2026. All members are requested to kindly submit their online responses to the Pay Commission portal on or before 31.03.2026, so that our collective views are adequately represented. Model answer to the questionnaire as submitted by one of our members from Kolkata Unit is shared here for ease of understanding. Members may submit their own views as it suits to them keeping the larger interest of the cadre intact.

    

    Further, AIASCT intends to submit a Memorandum before the 8th Pay Commission specific to our cadre and department. Accordingly, AIASCT has constituted a Committee for preparing a Draft Memorandum to be submitted before the Pay Commission. Members may also submit their valuable suggestions and inputs so that our committee can incorporate collective views before finalizing the draft memorandum. Suggestions and inputs supported with proper justifications and references may be sent to the email aisacbitc@gmail.com by 30.03.2026.

                                                     

Fraternally yours,

 

 

                                                      Rabish Chandra

Secretary General