AIASCT Launches Phase-wise Agitational Programme to Resolve Long-Pending Service-Related Demands

 Dear Colleagues,

Warm greetings to all the Superintendents of GST & Central Excise across the country!

The All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT) has launched a phase-wise agitational programme to draw the urgent attention of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the concerned authorities to long-pending service-related demands affecting Superintendents Cadre.

The decision follows repeated representations by the Association and detailed deliberations at the Central Executive Committee (CEC) Meeting held at Bhopal on 12–13 September 2026, attended by representatives from across the country. The CEC examined the persistent delays affecting career progression, unresolved service matters and welfare concerns, and adopted resolutions for pursuing these issues with the appropriate authorities.

The present programme reflects the continuing frustration over issues that have remained pending despite repeated representations. It is a call for timely resolution, fair career progression and recognition of the legitimate concerns of the officers who form an important part of CBIC's executive workforce.

A prolonged wait for promotion (AISL & DPC)

One of the most pressing concerns is the prolonged delay in finalisation and release of the All India Seniority Lists (AISL) for 2014 and 2015, which has consequentially delayed the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for promotion to the grade of Assistant Commissioner.

The delay has caused considerable uncertainty and frustration among eligible officers awaiting promotion. It has also affected career progression, with many Superintendents facing the prospect of retirement with only one promotion during their entire service career.

Timely consideration for promotion is not merely a procedural matter; it is closely connected with career progression, professional motivation and the morale of officers who have served the Department for decades. The Association has consistently pursued early finalisation of the seniority lists and convening of the DPC with the competent authorities.

Cadre restructuring: An urgent need

The delay in cadre restructuring is another major concern. The exercise, expected much earlier, has remained pending for years, prolonging stagnation and limiting promotional opportunities.

AIASCT has consistently advocated a comprehensive restructuring exercise that addresses the stagnation, promotional avenues, inter-cadre disparities, deficiencies in sanctioned strength and the need for a rational cadre structure. The Association expects the exercise to provide meaningful career progression and a balanced hierarchy, with adequate posts at the Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and higher levels.

Other long-pending demands

The agitation is not confined to the AISL and DPC issue. Several other matters continue to affect the service conditions, financial interests and welfare of officers, including:

• Uniform implementation of judicial decisions across Zones and clear guidelines to avoid inconsistent treatment of similarly placed officers.
• Regularisation of ad hoc promotions and grant of NFU to eligible officers.
• Resolution of the 01.01.1996 pay-fixation issue and early disbursal of eligible arrears, along with consequential benefits.
• Removal of promotional disparities affecting the Superintendent cadre.
• Timely settlement of medical reimbursements and other legitimate claims.
• Restoration of welfare measures, including the merit award for meritorious wards of CBIC officials.
• Improvement of infrastructure, official facilities and other service-related conditions.

These concerns, together with other issues recorded in the CEC resolutions, require sustained follow-up and time-bound attention from the concerned authorities.

From representations to collective action

AIASCT has consistently pursued these demands through representations, meetings and engagement with the administration. The Association believes that service-related issues should ordinarily be resolved through constructive dialogue and established institutional mechanisms.

However, when important matters remain unresolved despite repeated efforts, the Association has a responsibility to place the collective concerns of its members firmly before the authorities.

The CEC therefore adopted Resolution No. 3, providing for a phase-wise agitation if the AISL for 2014 and 2015 is not released and the DPC is not convened within a reasonable timeframe. The resolution also identifies individual representations by officers awaiting promotion as the first step.

In pursuance of this decision, the All India Body has communicated the commencement of the agitational programme to the Revenue Secretary and the Chairman, CBIC, and called upon the Units and members to participate in its implementation.

First phase: Individual representations on AISL and DPC

As the first phase, all officers awaiting promotion are requested to submit individual representations through proper channel to the competent authority, highlighting the prolonged delay and requesting:

1.    Early finalisation and release of the AISL for 2014 and 2015.

2.    Convening of the DPC for promotion to Assistant Commissioner at the earliest.

Members are encouraged to use the suggested draft circulated by the Association, adapting it to their individual service particulars and circumstances. A copy should also be shared with the Secretary General, AIASCT, and the General Secretary of the respective Unit, as advised in the Association's communication.

This initial step is intended to formally place the individual impact of the delay on record while demonstrating the widespread concern among eligible officers.

The role of Units and members

The success of the programme depends on coordinated action across the country. All AIASCT Units have been requested to forward the All India Body's communication to their respective Zonal Chief Commissioners and Principal Commissioners/Commissioners, informing them of the programme.

Units are also expected to assist eligible officers in submitting their representations, maintain details of submissions and report progress to the All India Body. Coordination with sister organisations, including AIACEIA and CIRSA, is also encouraged to secure solidarity and support for the legitimate demands of the Executive Cadre.

Members can further strengthen the Association's collective voice by actively participating in the programme and supporting its official communications.

Unity, discipline and constructive engagement

AIASCT remains committed to constructive engagement with the authorities. The agitational programme is intended to secure meaningful attention and early resolution of long-pending issues, not to close the door on dialogue.

The programme shall be implemented in phases, with the modalities for each phase being decided by the CEC and the Central Committee of AIASCT. Members and Units are expected to act in a coordinated, disciplined and responsible manner.

The concerns at stake extend beyond individual promotions. They concern fairness, morale, career progression and the effective functioning of the Executive Cadre. A united and sustained effort is therefore essential.

The message is clear: long-pending service-related demands require timely resolution. Through unity, collective action and constructive engagement, AIASCT will continue to pursue the legitimate interests of its members.

Unity is our strength. Collective action is our voice.

Fraternally Yours

 

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General

AIASCT

Update on All India Body’s Visit to Delhi – 08 & 09 October 2026

 Dear Members,

The All India Body visited Delhi on 08 and 09 October 2026 and held discussions with senior CBIC and DGHRD officials to pursue key issues concerning the cadre, promotions and service interests of our members. The important updates are as follows:

1. Meeting with the DG and Pr. ADG, DGHRD

(i) AISL and Consequential DPC

DGHRD officials informed that the Zonal Seniority Lists from Delhi and Vadodara Zones are still awaited. They assured that the DPC process would be initiated immediately upon receipt of the pending lists. The All India Body strongly emphasised the urgency of the matter and conveyed that continued delay in finalising the AISL and conducting the consequential DPC would leave the Association with no option but to launch an agitational programme.

(ii) Cadre Restructuring

DGHRD informed that the Cadre Restructuring exercise is progressing expeditiously. AIASCT’s earlier submissions and detailed proposal have been placed before the competent authorities, and the Working Group’s recommendations have also been taken into account. The full-member meeting on Cadre Restructuring has been held. The Board is making efforts to place the proposal before the Revenue Secretary, followed by the Hon’ble Finance Minister after incorporating any necessary modifications.

The All India Body strongly pressed for a substantial increase in posts in the grades of Assistant Commissioner (AC) and Deputy Commissioner (DC). DGHRD officials indicated that there would be a significant increase in AC posts.

(iii) Recruitment of DR Inspectors

Further, during the previous meeting, AIASCT had raised the issue of ensuring that the recruitment of Direct Inspectors would be continued at Pay Level 7. In this matter, the DGHRD has accepted this proposal and assured that Inspectors would be recruited at Pay level 7 also. 

All India Body Delegates and Representatives from Delhi Unit with DGHRD Officials

2. Meeting with Member (Administration)

 

(i) AISL and DPC

The All India Body discussed the long-pending AISL and consequential DPC issue with the Member (Administration). It was informed that the Department’s case would be presented by the Assistant Solicitor General before the Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat at Ahmedabad on 12 October 2026.

Pending the Court’s directions or permission, DGHRD has been instructed to remain prepared for further action. APARs and other requisite details are expected to be called for from all Zones by Monday of the coming week. The Member (Administration) sought the Association’s cooperation in ensuring timely submission of records.

All Unit representatives are therefore requested to coordinate with their respective local administrations and ensure that the required documents are furnished promptly.

(ii) Cadre Restructuring – Continued Monitoring

The Member (Administration) has been closely monitoring the progress of Cadre Restructuring and issuing necessary directions to expedite the exercise. During this visit, directions were reiterated to DGHRD officials to engage with the Association’s office-bearers. It was informed that the Board is working on a comprehensive proposal aimed at addressing career progression across cadres.

The All India Body acknowledges the improved transparency, constructive engagement and regular communication on Cadre Restructuring under the present Member (Administration). The regular interactions with DGHRD have helped facilitate discussions on the Association’s proposals and provide updates on progress.

3. Follow-up on Other Pending Issues

The All India Body also met other concerned authorities and pursued several long-pending matters, including:

•        Uniform implementation of court judgments.

•        Regularisation of ad hoc Superintendents.

•        Follow-up on the case before the Principal Bench concerning in-rem implementation of the 01.01.1996 pay parity issue.

•        Other important service-related issues affecting the cadre.

4. The All India Body also met with the newly elected office-bearers of the Delhi Unit of AIASCT to discuss organisational matters and key cadre-related issues. The Delhi Unit was requested to follow up with the Delhi Zone administration to ensure early forwarding of the Zonal Seniority List to DGHRD, thereby facilitating the finalisation of the AISL and the consequential DPC process.

The All India Body remains committed to pursuing these matters with determination. United efforts, sustained follow-up and collective determination remain key to securing our legitimate service interests.

 

With fraternal regards,

 

(Rabish Chandra)

Secretary General,

AIASCT

AIASCT Welcomes Lucknow and Meerut Units

CEC Bhopal Duly Ratifies Their Formation

The All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT) warmly welcomes the Lucknow and Meerut Units into the AIASCT family.

At its meeting held at Bhopal on 12–13 September 2026, the Central Executive Committee (CEC) duly ratified the formation of both Units. The CEC further advised the Units to conduct their elections at the earliest and strictly adhere to the Constitution of AIASCT in their functioning.

The Lucknow Unit, comprising the Superintendents of Lucknow GST Zone and Lucknow Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, and the Meerut Unit, formed by the Superintendents of Meerut Zone, have joined the AIASCT platform with a shared commitment to strengthening the collective voice of the cadre.

The formal ratification of these Units further strengthens the organisational reach of AIASCT and provides a wider platform for unity, coordination and collective representation across formations.

On behalf of AIASCT, warm welcome and best wishes are extended to all colleagues of Lucknow and Meerut. AIASCT looks forward to their active and constructive participation in the Association and to working together for the legitimate interests and welfare of the cadre.

Welcome to the AIASCT family, Lucknow and Meerut!

Together, we stand united. Together, we move forward.

 

With fraternal regards,

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General
AIASCT

AIASCT Submits Comprehensive Proposal for Cadre Restructuring to CBIC

 The All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT) has submitted a comprehensive proposal on Cadre Restructuring to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

The proposal has been prepared after examining the present organisational structure, functional requirements of the post-GST administration, cadre strength, workload, career progression and the long-standing stagnation in the executive cadre. The proposal covers the organisational structure of Central GST and Customs, human resource planning, career progression, specialised formations and financial implications.

A Structure Designed for the Post-GST Era

The proposal recognises that GST has fundamentally changed the nature of indirect tax administration. The work has moved from traditional physical verification to digital scrutiny, data analysis, audit, intelligence, investigation and technology-based compliance management.

However, the organisational structure has not changed at the same pace. Many field formations continue to operate under a hierarchy designed for the pre-GST era. AIASCT has therefore proposed a structure that is leaner, field-oriented and function-based.

Primary Executive Circle in Place of the Legacy Range

One of the major proposals is to replace the existing Range structure with an empowered Primary Executive Circle (PEC).

Each PEC is proposed to be headed by an Assistant Commissioner, supported by Superintendents, Inspectors and dedicated ministerial and support staff. The Circle would function as the principal taxpayer interface and handle functions such as registration, return scrutiny, refund processing, recovery, intelligence inputs and taxpayer facilitation.

The proposal envisages scientifically determined taxpayer clusters for each Circle. This is intended to bring decision-making closer to taxpayers and reduce unnecessary movement of files through multiple levels.

More Than 10,000 AC/DC Posts exclusively for Promotion of Group B Executive Cadre officers

The proposal seeks a substantial strengthening of the Group A executive structure.

It proposes 10,900 AC/DC-level posts across CGST field formations, specialised audit, appeals and legal formations, headquarters and Customs formations. The proposal includes 6,500 posts for Primary Executive Circles, 1,200 for specialised audit, 500 for appeals and legal work, 800 for headquarters functions and 1,900 for Customs formations.

The objective is not merely to create additional posts. The proposed posts are linked to specific functions, workload and operational requirements.

Central Tax Service for Meaningful Career Progression

A major component of the proposal is the establishment of a Central Tax Service (CTS).

The CTS is proposed as a structured and self-contained career pathway for the executive cadre. It would provide progression from Inspector and Superintendent to Group A grades through a defined promotional structure.

The proposal envisages the Group A grades of the CTS as a parallel promotional stream, distinct from the existing IRS(C&IT) direct-recruitment stream. The proposed CTS grades would be filled through promotion within the Service.

This is intended to address a major concern of the executive cadre. Many officers spend most of their career in the feeder grades and reach the Assistant Commissioner level very late, or retire without reaching Group A. The proposal seeks to replace this uncertain progression with a structured career path.

1,848 Joint Commissioner-Level Posts for the Promotional Cadre

The financial and structural model proposed by AIASCT specifically provides for 1,848 ADC/JC-level posts under the Central Tax Service.

These posts are proposed as a dedicated promotional channel for the executive cadre. The model also provides 5,150 AC and 5,150 DC posts under the CTS structure.

The proposal therefore seeks to create a clear progression from the field executive level to senior Group A responsibilities, while retaining a separate and focused structure for direct-recruitment officers.

Unified Executive Cadre

AIASCT has also proposed the unification of the historical CGST/Central Excise, Customs Preventive and Examiner streams into a Unified Executive Cadre.

The objective is to provide greater flexibility in manpower deployment, common training and a more balanced career structure. Officers can be trained in areas such as data analytics, financial accounting, investigation, digital forensics and anti-smuggling operations.

Strengthening Customs Formations

The proposal also gives due importance to the Customs wing of CBIC. It proposes additional posts of Assistant Commissioner level across sea ports, air cargo complexes, international airports, ICDs, CFSs, land customs stations and preventive formations. The objective is to strengthen customs clearance, risk-based assessment, trade facilitation, intelligence gathering and anti-smuggling operations in view of growing trade volumes and increasing operational complexity. The proposal envisages more than 1,900 AC-level posts for Customs formations as part of the overall restructuring.

A Proposal Focused on Both Officers and the Department

AIASCT has emphasised that Cadre Restructuring should address both career progression and organisational efficiency.

The proposed measures seek to reduce stagnation, make better use of experienced officers, strengthen field formations, reduce clerical burden on executive officers and align statutory authority with functional responsibility.

The proposal also seeks to strengthen CBIC’s capacity to administer a growing and increasingly digital economy. The objective is to create a responsive organisation capable of effectively implementing ongoing indirect tax reforms, meeting future operational demands and supporting India's economic growth.

Call for Meaningful Stakeholder Consultation

AIASCT had earlier requested that the report of the Working Group constituted by CBIC and the proposal under consideration by DGHRD be shared with the Association. The Association has maintained that wider stakeholder consultation would enable informed and constructive suggestions based on field-level experience.

AIASCT has requested that the proposal be considered in its entirety and that an opportunity for interaction or hearing be provided before finalisation.

The Association remains committed to constructive engagement with CBIC and the Government for a balanced, practical and sustainable Cadre Restructuring framework.

The objective is clear: to build a stronger organisational structure, ensure meaningful career progression for the executive cadre, and create a more capable and future-ready CBIC that can effectively support the country’s economic growth and contribute to nation building.

Covering Letter to CBIC submitting the Proposal  

Click here for Proposal submitted by the AIASCT to CBIC

Salem Unit of AIASCT Successfully Revived Through Democratic Election

 

The Salem Unit of the All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT) has been successfully revived with the constitution of a newly elected committee.

A meeting of the members of the Salem Unit was held on 08 August 2026 at GST Bhavan, Salem, in the presence of the Secretary General, AIASCT, along with representatives of the All India Body. The members unanimously agreed to conduct the election in accordance with the Constitution of AIASCT, ensuring a fair, transparent and democratic process.

An Interim Committee was also constituted to coordinate and facilitate the election process and extend necessary assistance to the Election Officers. The All India Body thereafter issued the Election Bulletin, appointing the Election Officers and prescribing the election schedule and necessary guidelines in accordance with the Constitution of AIASCT.

Meeting with members of Salem Unit

Pursuant to these decisions, the election process was conducted by the appointed Election Officers, with nominations invited from 10 to 14 August 2026 and the last date for withdrawal of nominations being 17 August 2026. As only a single nomination was received for each post, all the candidates were declared elected unopposed.

The newly elected office bearers are Shri S. Sasikumar, President; Shri Ashok Kumar Gautham, Vice President; Shri Jayant, General Secretary; and Shri S. Boominathan, Joint Secretary, along with elected Executive Committee Members representing the respective formations of the Salem Unit.

Newly Elected Office Bearers with Election Officers

The Election Officers reported that the process was conducted smoothly and fairly. AIASCT congratulates the newly elected Salem Unit Committee and wishes them a successful tenure in serving the members and strengthening the Unit.

AIASCT SALEM UNIT ELECTION RESULT

AIASCT Central Executive Committee Meeting at Bhopal on 12-13th September 2026

 Dear Members,

The All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT) is scheduled to hold its Central Executive Committee (CEC) Meeting at Bhopal on 12th and 13th September 2026, hosted by the Bhopal Unit. The meeting will bring together representatives of Units from across the country to deliberate on important organisational and service-related matters concerning the cadre.

The CEC is an important forum of the Association for collective deliberation, review and decision-making. It provides an opportunity to take stock of the decisions and initiatives undertaken since the Coimbatore Convention of 12–13 March 2026, review important developments and determine the future course of action on matters affecting the cadre.

The effectiveness of the CEC is closely linked to the extent to which the concerns and aspirations of members from different formations reach the CEC through their Units. Members across the country are therefore requested to convey their genuine concerns, suggestions and pending service-related issues to the representatives (General Secretary/President) of their respective Units well in advance of the meeting.

The Unit representatives may, in turn, submit the points proposed for discussion at the CEC through the Association’s email, enabling their compilation and consideration for preparation of a detailed and structured agenda. Issues supported by relevant facts, documents or specific suggestions, wherever available, would help facilitate focused and meaningful deliberations.

The purpose is not merely to place issues before the CEC, but to collectively examine them, identify their wider implications and formulate appropriate strategies and a definite course of action. Issues requiring representation before the appropriate authorities, further follow-up or other organisational initiatives can accordingly be considered in a structured manner.

Members across the country are encouraged to use this opportunity to ensure that matters affecting them and their colleagues are brought to the notice of their Unit representatives. The active participation and inputs of members are an essential part of the CEC process and will help the Association better understand the issues on the ground and respond collectively.

We look forward to meeting the representatives of all the Units and CEC Members at Bhopal and to two days of constructive, purposeful and outcome-oriented deliberations. Let us make the Bhopal CEC a meaningful platform where concerns are heard, issues are deliberated upon and collective strategies are shaped for further action.

With warm regards,

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General
AIASCT

(NOTICE FOR CEC MEETING AT BHOPAL (12-13^th SEPTEMBER 2026)

Another Step Towards AISL Finalisation and DPC

AIASCT seeks the Hon'ble Finance Minister's intervention for the early finalisation of AISL, conduct of the long-awaited DPC, implementation of Cadre Restructuring and resolution of career stagnation and inter-cadre disparity.

Dear Esteemed Members,

The pursuit of justice for our cadre continues with renewed resolve. AIASCT has submitted a detailed representation to the Hon'ble Finance Minister seeking intervention to address the prolonged stagnation in the career progression of Superintendents of GST & Central Excise. The representation highlights both the immediate concerns affecting the cadre and the broader policy issues that require urgent attention.

A Cadre Burdened with Growing Responsibilities

The Superintendent cadre forms the backbone of CBIC's executive machinery. While our responsibilities have expanded significantly with GST, the increase in the taxpayer base and the growing complexity of tax administration, career progression has remained severely constrained. The prolonged stagnation in the cadre has led to many officers retiring after more than 30 years of dedicated service with only one regular promotion, causing widespread disappointment and adversely impacting the morale of the cadre.

Cadre Restructuring Must Deliver Meaningful Reform

AIASCT has reiterated its support for the early implementation of Cadre Restructuring. The Association has requested that the restructuring comprehensively address career stagnation, inter-cadre disparity and equitable promotional opportunities. It has also urged that the proposal under consideration be shared with AIASCT before finalisation so that the representative stakeholder association may offer constructive suggestions.

Correcting Long-standing Disparity

The representation highlights the continuing disparity in career progression between the Central Excise feeder cadre and the Examiner and Preventive Officer streams. A striking example is that officers of the 2006 batch of the Examiner cadre have already been promoted as Assistant Commissioners, whereas Inspectors of Central Excise recruited in 1991 -1992 are still awaiting promotion to the same grade. The Association has sought corrective policy intervention to restore fairness, equity and equal opportunity.

Immediate Priority: AISL and DPC

The representation also draws attention to the delay in finalising the All India Seniority List (AISL) for the years 2014 and 2015, which has consequently delayed the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for promotion to Assistant Commissioner. Despite 1,588 vacancies in the grades of Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, the majority of which are promotional posts, eligible officers continue to await their rightful career progression. The Association has also highlighted that the DPC timeline prescribed by DoPT has already been exceeded.

Our Appeal

AIASCT has requested the Hon'ble Finance Minister to facilitate the early implementation of Cadre Restructuring in a manner that opens adequate promotional avenues for the Superintendent cadre, rectifies the long-standing inter-cadre disparity and addresses the prolonged stagnation and severely limited career progression faced by officers.

Recognising the urgency of the matter, the Association has sought immediate intervention for the finalisation and issuance of the All India Seniority List (AISL) and the early conduct of the long-awaited Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for promotion to the grade of Assistant Commissioner.

Together We Shall Succeed

We remain hopeful that the intervention sought from the Hon'ble Finance Minister will help bring an early and meaningful resolution to these long-pending issues. However, should the issues continue to remain unresolved, the Association will be constrained to consider an appropriate future course of action in consultation with the members through their Unit representatives. Any such decision can succeed only with the active support, unity and participation of every member.

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

Fraternally Yours,

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General

 

Click here for representation submitted to the Hon'ble Finance Minister
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