Three Months of Purposeful Progress: Together Towards a Stronger AIASCT

 Dear Esteemed Members of AIASCT,

Warm greetings to all!

With the completion of three months of the tenure of the present Central Committee on 13th June 2026, the progress made during this initial period was reviewed in an online meeting of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) convened on 11th July 2026. The Chief Office Bearers of Units from Units across the country and members of the Central Committee (All India Body) participated in the meeting and deliberated on the action taken by the Central Committee on various organisational and service matters. They offered valuable suggestions and constructive guidance, besides discussing the future course of action and strategies for effectively pursuing the issues affecting the cadre. The deliberations reflected the democratic functioning of our Association and reaffirmed the collective resolve of the leadership to work in close coordination for safeguarding the legitimate interests of our members.

As we complete the first three months of our tenure, I consider it appropriate to share with our members a brief account of the important decisions taken, activities undertaken and significant developments concerning the Association during this period. While three months is a relatively short period in the life of any organisation, the Central Committee has endeavoured to translate the mandate received at the XVI All India Convention into meaningful action through collective leadership, constructive engagement with the administration and continuous interaction with our members.

During this period, Team AIASCT actively engaged with the Chairman, CBIC, Member (Administration), DGHRD and other senior officers of the Department on issues of critical importance to our cadre. The long-pending All India Seniority List (AISL) and the consequential Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) have remained our foremost priority. Through successive meetings, detailed representations and continuous follow-up, the Association consistently impressed upon the authorities the urgency of resolving these issues without further delay. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Association also sought the intervention of the Revenue Secretary to facilitate expeditious finalisation of the AISL and early conduct of the DPC.

Cadre Restructuring has been another major area of focus. The Association constituted its own Cadre Restructuring Committee, invited suggestions from members across the country, submitted its preliminary inputs to DGHRD and sought greater transparency and meaningful stakeholder consultation in the restructuring process. Our endeavour has been to ensure that the restructuring exercise not only addresses the functional requirements of the Department but also provides meaningful career progression by tackling the long-standing issue of stagnation in the executive cadre.

The Association also effectively represented the concerns of the cadre before the 8th Central Pay Commission, placing emphasis on pay parity, NFUG, MACP and other long-pending service issues. We remain hopeful that the concerns placed before the Commission will receive due consideration.

On the organisational front, the Central Committee has worked towards strengthening AIASCT through regular meetings of the All India Body, improved communication with members, greater transparency in functioning and enhanced coordination among Units. A significant organisational achievement during this period has been the successful progress towards the formation of the Federation of Associations of Central Tax Officers (FACTO), which is expected to provide a stronger collective platform for pursuing issues of common concern affecting executive officers. The Central Committee also successfully discharged important organisational responsibilities, including the conduct of the Mumbai Unit elections, thereby further strengthening the democratic traditions of the Association.

The first three months have therefore been a period of laying a strong organisational foundation while simultaneously pursuing the most pressing issues affecting our cadre. Although several of these issues are yet to reach their logical conclusion, the Central Committee has ensured that they remain firmly on the agenda of the Government and the Board through sustained engagement, well-reasoned representations and continuous follow-up.

Dear Members, we are fully conscious that the road ahead is both challenging and crucial. Finalisation of the AISL, early conduct of the DPC, meaningful Cadre Restructuring and favourable recommendations of the 8th Central Pay Commission continue to remain our foremost priorities. We remain committed to pursuing these issues with perseverance and determination. At the same time, we firmly believe that the success of our collective efforts depends not only upon the initiatives of the Central Committee but equally upon the unity, confidence and active participation of every member of our Association.

As we move forward, let us continue to remain united in purpose, constructive in our approach and resolute in our commitment to securing justice, dignity and better career progression for every Superintendent of Central Tax. Together, we can build a stronger organisation capable of effectively representing the aspirations of our cadre.

On behalf of the entire Central Committee, I once again express my heartfelt gratitude to all our members, Unit Office Bearers, Central Executive Committee Members and the All India Body for their continued trust, valuable guidance, cooperation and unwavering support.

Let us move forward together, with unity in purpose, strength in organisation and confidence in our collective future.

With fraternal regards,

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General
All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT)

Click Here to View REPORT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL
(On the Decisions Taken, Activities Undertaken and Important Developments During the First Three Months of the Present Central Committee)

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)

Transparency and Consultation: Key to a Successful Cadre Restructuring

 Dear Members

Greetings of the Day!

The All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT) has addressed a representation to the Chairman, CBIC, requesting that the Report submitted by the Working Group on Cadre Restructuring, along with the proposal currently under consideration in DGHRD, be shared with the Association. 

Cadre Restructuring is a long-awaited reform that carries significant implications for organisational efficiency, manpower planning, career progression, promotional avenues and the resolution of stagnation across various cadres. Officers across the country have consistently looked forward to an early and meaningful restructuring exercise that addresses long-standing concerns while strengthening the Department's operational capabilities.

CBIC had constituted a Working Group to examine various aspects of Cadre Restructuring and submit its recommendations. Given the Working Group's access to relevant data, workload assessments, sanctioned strength, functional requirements and other critical inputs, its report is expected to provide a comprehensive and evidence-based assessment of the existing cadre structure and the options available for reform.

AIASCT believes that sharing the Report submitted by the Working Group and the proposal under consideration by DGHRD would facilitate informed discussions and enable the Association to provide constructive suggestions based on field-level experience and operational realities. Such an approach would strengthen stakeholder participation and contribute to a more balanced, practical and sustainable restructuring framework.

The Association had earlier requested DGHRD to share the proposed structure or framework being examined as part of the restructuring exercise. Since the Working Group has reportedly submitted its report, AIASCT has now reiterated its request for access to the relevant documents to enable a detailed examination of the recommendations and proposals.

The recommendations emerging from the restructuring exercise are expected to influence the future human resource architecture of the Department for years to come. In this context, wider consultation with stakeholders can enhance transparency, build confidence among officers and help achieve greater consensus around the proposed reforms.

AIASCT remains fully committed to supporting an early and effective Cadre Restructuring that serves the interests of both the Department and its officers. The Association hopes that the Report submitted by the Working Group and the proposal under consideration by DGHRD will be shared, enabling a meaningful exchange of views and facilitating the successful implementation of this much-awaited reform.

Fraternally Yours,

 

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General

 (Click here for letter submitted to CBIC)

Updates on the Two Days (10-11th June 2026) Delhi Visit of the AIASCT Team

Dear Members,

Warm Greetings of the Day!

Representatives of the All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT) attended the Official Consultative Meeting (OCM) on 10.06.2026, chaired by the Member (Administration), CBIC, along with senior officers of CBIC and DGHRD. The meeting deliberated on key cadre-related issues, including: (i) DPC for promotion from Superintendent to Assistant Commissioner, (ii) the 01.01.1996 issue, (iii) uniform implementation of the N.R. Parmar judgment, (iv) grant of NFU to eligible Adhoc Superintendents, and (v) review of pay stepping-up withdrawal and recovery cases in the Thiruvananthapuram-Cochin Zone and other issues as per agenda items fixed by the board.

On the issue of the non-convening of the DPC for promotion to Assistant Commissioner due to the pending AISL, the DG, DGHRD informed that zonal seniority lists from Vadodara and Delhi Zones are still awaited despite repeated follow-up. As finalisation of the AISL and conduct of the DPC depend on these inputs, Team AIASCT strongly objected to the delay, noting that officers nationwide have been denied legitimate promotional opportunities. The Association urged the Board and DGHRD to expedite finalisation of the AISL and convene the long-pending DPC without further delay.

AIASCT strongly raised the issue of non-regularisation of ad hoc promotions of over 2,000 Superintendents in the Mumbai Zone. The OCM Chairman heard the concerns and advised the Association to submit a detailed representation outlining the issues and relief sought, assuring that the matter would be examined upon receipt of the representation.

The Association requested notional retrospective implementation of the revised pay scale w.e.f. 01.01.1996 for all eligible officers. It was further urged that, where favourable court judgments have been obtained, pay fixation and disbursement of arrears be completed at the earliest. It was informed that any delay in pay fixation in a specific Zone may be brought to the notice of the Board for appropriate action.

Issues relating to promotions for PwBD officers in accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling and DoPT instructions, settlement of pending claims, infrastructure-related concerns, implementation of e-Pratiniyukti for deputation applications and other agenda items were also discussed during the OCM.

 The meeting concluded on a positive note, with assurances that the issues raised would be examined and pursued by the concerned authorities.

Fnalisation of the Constitution of the Federation of AIASCT and AICEIA

During Delhi Visit, meeting with AICEIA was held. Constitution of the federation of both the associations, Federation of Associations of Central Tax Officers (FACTO) was finalized.

Meeting with Chairman

AIASCT Team with CBIC Chairman on 11.06.2026

Issues relating to AISL finalisation, delay in DPC, cadre restructuring, and grant of NFU to Mumbai Zone officers were also raised with the Chairman. The Association suggested finalising the AISL atleast up to 30.09.2014 as a last resolution, with subsequent seniority lists to follow separately. The Chairman took note of all issues and assured that options for expediting AISL finalisation would be explored. The Chairman informed that once the Working Committee submits its report on cadre restructuring, the associations will be invited for consultations and discussions on the matter. The Association thanked the Chairman for convening the OCM and requested that it be held at least once every six months. In response, the Chairman emphasized that resolution of issues is more important than the frequency of meetings which was appreciated by the association.

With fraternal regards!

 

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General
AIASCT 

Cadre Restructuring Must Deliver More Than Structural Changes

  Addressing stagnation, strengthening tax administration and restoring confidence

Dear Members,

Warm Greetings of the Day!

AIASCT has submitted its response to the DGHRD's request for suggestions and inputs on the ongoing Cadre Restructuring exercise in CBIC.

While welcoming the Department's decision to seek stakeholders' views, the Association has emphasized that meaningful consultation requires greater transparency and active participation of stakeholders in the restructuring process.

In its communication, AIASCT has highlighted that more than thirteen years have elapsed since the last Cadre Restructuring, during which the indirect tax administration has undergone significant transformation, particularly with the introduction of GST. The Association has underlined the need for the restructuring exercise to address both the functional requirements of the Department and the long-standing issue of stagnation in the Group-B Executive Cadre.

The Association has also pointed out that several committees have examined the issue over the years, yet the framework presently under consideration has not been shared with stakeholders. AIASCT has therefore requested that the proposed structure be made available so that informed and constructive inputs can be provided.

Further, the Association has reiterated its demand for inclusion of representatives of our association in any Committee or Working Group constituted for Cadre Restructuring. Decisions affecting the future of thousands of officers must be based on broad stakeholder participation and field-level experience.

The true significance of the Cadre Restructuring exercise lies in its potential to build a stronger, more efficient and future-ready organisation while addressing the long-standing concerns of stagnation, career progression and optimal utilisation of human resources. It is hoped that the ongoing exercise will culminate in a balanced and inclusive framework that not only meets the evolving requirements but also recognises the legitimate aspirations of its workforce, thereby fostering greater motivation, commitment and institutional strength.

With Fraternal Regards,

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General

(Click here for letter submitted to DGHRD)

A Cadre at a Turning Point: AIASCT Charts the Course Ahead

Dear Members,

Warm Greetings of the Day!

The All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT) held its monthly meeting of the Central Committee (All India Body) on 31 May 2026, bringing together office bearers from across the country to deliberate on some of the most pressing issues affecting the cadre. The meeting served as a platform to review developments across Zones, assess the status of the long-pending All India Seniority List (AISL), discuss the ongoing Cadre Restructuring Exercise, and advance the process of establishing a Federation for coordinated representation.

Growing Concern Over Delay in AISL

The issue that dominated the discussions was the continued delay in the finalisation of the All India Seniority List (AISL). Representatives from different Zones highlighted the widespread frustration among members whose promotions and career progression have been adversely affected by the prolonged uncertainty.

The All India Body (AIB) observed that the delay in AISL has directly impacted the conduct of Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) for promotion from Group ‘B’ to Group ‘A’, leaving many officers stagnating in service despite long years of dedication. Members expressed concern that several officers are retiring without receiving the promotional opportunities they rightfully deserve.

While reaffirming its commitment to pursuing the issue through all available administrative channels, the AIB also acknowledged the growing impatience among members. It was agreed that, if meaningful progress is not achieved, the Association may have to consider phased agitational programmes. Importantly, the emphasis was placed on strengthening organisational preparedness and building a culture of collective participation to effectively pursue the cadre’s legitimate demands.

Cadre Restructuring: A Defining Opportunity

The ongoing Cadre Restructuring Exercise was another major area of discussion. AIB stressed that this exercise presents a crucial opportunity to address long-standing structural issues affecting the executive cadre.

Members were informed that the ‘AIASCT Cadre Restructuring Committee’ is actively examining various aspects of the proposed restructuring and holding regular consultations. The All India Body resolved that future submissions to the Board and DGHRD would be based on the recommendations of this Committee, ensuring that the Association's position remains comprehensive, evidence-based and reflective of the aspirations of the cadre.

The message was clear: cadre restructuring must not be viewed merely as an administrative exercise, but as a chance to secure a stronger and more equitable career framework for future generations of officers.

Zonal Issues Reflect Common Challenges

Reports from the Zones revealed a common thread of concerns across the country.

In the South Zone, issues relating to deputation policies, implementation of e-HRMS, settlement of employee claims, transfer policy deviations and protection of office bearers were highlighted. Concerns were also raised about inconsistent practices in forwarding deputation applications and the need for a transparent and uniform policy applicable across all formations.

Representatives from the West Zone drew attention to regularisation issues, AGT-related concerns and the urgent need for finalisation of AISL. The West Zone representatives also apprised the Committee that at the recent Zonal JCM meeting held in Mumbai, the Unit office bearers effectively highlighted several key service matters before the administration, including NFU, seniority, transfer policy reforms and workload rationalisation, seeking appropriate consideration and resolution of these issues.

The East Zone highlighted growing anxiety among members over AISL delays and emphasised the importance of strengthening organisational visibility and engagement with members.

These discussions underscored the fact that while regional issues may differ in form, the fundamental concerns of career progression, transparency, fairness and cadre welfare remain common across the country.

Federation: Towards a Stronger Collective Voice

A significant development discussed during the meeting was the progress towards finalisation of the Federation Constitution.

The Committee recognised that many service-related matters transcend individual cadres and require coordinated representation before the Government and the Board. It was therefore agreed that the Federation Constitution should be finalised at the earliest so that common issues affecting executive officers can be pursued under a unified platform, while preserving the autonomy of individual Associations on cadre-specific matters.

Organisational Strengthening and Member Engagement

The meeting also reviewed organisational initiatives undertaken during the previous month, including interventions in Mumbai Unit affairs, submission of the memorandum before the 8th Central Pay Commission, follow-up correspondence on AISL and OCM, and social media outreach initiatives.

Recognising that organisational strength ultimately depends on member participation, the Committee emphasised the importance of communication, awareness campaigns and greater engagement through meetings, social media and messaging platforms. Office bearers were encouraged to identify active members in key formations and build stronger feedback mechanisms across the country.

The Working President urged members to remain focused on organisational objectives despite setbacks or discouraging developments, stressing that sustained effort, unity and commitment are essential for achieving long-term goals.

Concerns were also raised regarding the victimization of office bearers by the administration. It was suggested that where such issues are not resolved at the zonal level, they should be taken up by the All India Body with the Board. The President expressed serious concern over the matter and assured that the Association would extend full support and take up any instance of victimization of office bearers with the Board whenever required.

The Road Ahead

The meeting concluded with a comprehensive set of action points covering AISL, deputation policy, transfer policy reforms, cadre restructuring, federation formation, protection of office bearers, communication strategies and membership mobilisation

The deliberations reflected both the challenges confronting the cadre and the determination of the Association to address them. As AIASCT moves forward, three priorities stand out clearly: securing early resolution of AISL, ensuring meaningful cadre restructuring, and building a stronger, more united organisational framework capable of effectively representing the interests of Superintendents of Central Tax.

The coming months are likely to be critical. Success will depend not only on sustained engagement with the administration but also on the active participation, awareness and solidarity of members across the country.

The message emerging from the meeting was unequivocal: the time has come for greater unity, stronger organisation and collective resolve in pursuit of the cadre's legitimate aspirations.

 With Fraternal Regards!

 

 

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General
AIASCT

 [Click here for Minutes of Meeting]

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