From Joint Action to Federation: A Historic Step Towards Unity

Dear Members,

I hope this message finds you well.

Our President and I had the privilege of attending the convention of the All India Central Excise Inspectors’ Association (AICEIA), held on 3rd and 4th April 2026 at Nagpur, as invited guests. We were also joined by our respected senior leader, Shri Ajit K. G., General Secretary of AIASCT, Vidarbha Unit.

The convention was conducted successfully and proved to be highly productive. It provided a valuable opportunity to foster a positive and collaborative environment between both cadres—Inspectors and Superintendents of CGST & CX. One of the most significant achievements of this gathering was the successful formation of a Federation of both associations (click here for The Nagpur Declaration), a long-pending initiative since 2018.

This newly formed Federation marks an important progression from our existing Joint Action Committee (JAC), established a few months ago. It will serve as a common platform to raise and address shared concerns of AICEIA and AIASCT before the Board and other authorities. We are confident that this unified structure will strengthen both associations and enhance our outreach to a wider membership base.

With this development, we now carry greater responsibility as the elder organization to ensure the formation and activation of the Federation across all respective units. In this regard, our President and I have decided to visit all existing units in upcoming months, with the objective of operationalizing the Federation at the unit level.

At present, we have laid a strong foundation, and in the coming days, we will work towards finalizing the constitution, appointing office bearers, and completing other formalities in consultation with our AIB, CEC, and AICEIA.

We would also like to place on record our sincere gratitude for the pivotal role played by our senior leader, Shri Ajit K. G., in making this Federation a reality. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all concerned for their cooperation and support.

With fraternal regards,


Rabish Chandra
Secretary General

Salute to a Towering Leader: Shri R. Manimohan on his Superannuation

As our esteemed association stalwart, Com. R. Manimohan, retires from government service on attaining superannuation as Assistant Commissioner, we, on behalf of the Association, place on record our deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for his remarkable journey of service, both as an officer and as a dedicated leader of the Association.

Beginning his career as an Inspector and later serving as a Superintendent, Shri R. Manimohan remained closely connected with the aspirations and concerns of the cadre at every stage of his professional life. Even as he rose through the ranks to retire as Assistant Commissioner, his commitment to collective welfare and organisational values remained unwavering.

Shri R. Manimohan in Association Room of Coimbatore Unit on his day of Superannuation

His association with the organisation was not confined to holding office, it was defined by dedication, accessibility, and tireless involvement. Shri R. Manimohan stood as a steady and reassuring presence during challenging times, contributing meaningfully to deliberations and strengthening the unity of the Association.

To many, he was a guide;

to some, a mentor;

and to all, a dependable pillar of strength,  

qualities that earned him enduring respect and affection across the fraternity.

A tall leader is not measured merely by position but by the confidence he inspires and the path he leaves behind for others to follow. Through his calm guidance, balanced approach, and principled leadership, Com. Manimohan enriched the Association in lasting ways.

As he demits official responsibilities, we recognise that his contributions have become an enduring part of the Association’s journey. The values he upheld and the example he set will continue to guide us in the years ahead.

On this significant occasion, we convey our warmest wishes to Manimohan Sir for a fulfilling, healthy and joyful post-retirement life. While he retires from service, his association with us remains permanent and we look forward to his continued guidance and blessings.

A true leader rooted in dedication, integrity and purpose never truly retires; it simply continues to inspire.

With gratitude and respect,

 

Rabish Chandra

Secretary General 

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

                                                      

With Gratitude and Responsibility – Moving Ahead with Unity and Purpose

Dear Members of AIASCT,

Warm greetings to all members across the country.

I am happy to connect with you through our Association’s blog, a platform that we intend to strengthen as a regular channel of communication between the All India Body and our members.

It is with deep humility and gratitude that I address you today as the newly elected Secretary General of the All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT). The faith and confidence reposed in me by the delegates during the XVI All India Convention held at Coimbatore on 12th and 13th March 2026 is both an honour and a profound responsibility. I remain sincerely grateful for this trust and assure you of my wholehearted commitment to serve our organisation and its members.

The Coimbatore Convention stands as a significant milestone in our collective journey. It witnessed vibrant participation, meaningful discussions and a shared resolve to strengthen our organisational framework while pursuing the long-pending and legitimate aspirations of our cadre. In accordance with our constitutional provisions, elections were conducted during the Convention, and the office bearers were elected to lead AIASCT for the forthcoming term.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the elected colleagues. I repose my full faith and confidence in the newly elected All India Body team and look forward to working together with dedication and unity for the progress of our Association. Together, as a united team, we shall work with dedication, transparency, and collective responsibility to advance the objectives of our Association.

Team All India Body with Election Officers during Convention

We place on record our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our past leadership and the outgoing office bearers for their dedicated service and valuable contributions to the Association. Their commitment, experience and sustained efforts have strengthened the organisational foundation of AIASCT and guided it through important phases. The present Central Committee builds upon this legacy with respect and acknowledges their role in shaping the path on which we continue to move forward.

Even though the Secretary General hails from the Coimbatore Unit, it is only appropriate to place on record our sincere appreciation to the members and dedicated volunteers of the Coimbatore Unit whose meticulous planning, teamwork and wholehearted efforts ensured the grand success of the Convention. The success of the event stands as a testament to the collective commitment and organisational spirit of the local team.

As we move forward, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening organisational unity, improving communication with members and pursuing cadre-related issues through constructive engagement and sustained collective efforts. We believe that progress can be achieved through consultation, cooperation and active participation of our members at all levels.

The Secretary General, along with the Central Committee, remains committed to ensuring greater transparency, regular communication and inclusive decision-making. This blog will henceforth serve as a more active platform to share updates, initiatives and developments concerning our Association.

The strength of AIASCT has always been its unity and collective wisdom. Together, we shall strive to carry forward the legacy of the Association while addressing present challenges with clarity, responsibility, and shared purpose.

We seek the continued support, guidance and active participation of all members as we move ahead unitedly towards a stronger organisation and a better future for our cadre.

 

With fraternal greetings,

 

Rabish Chandra

Secretary General

Congratulations, celebrations and retrospection.

 Dear Member and Friends,

Hearty Congratulations to all the Superintendents who are promoted as Assistant Commissioners in the order dated 13.01.2023.  The cat is out of the bag and the once promoted are elated,  I am really happy for my seniors who have been promoted at least at the fag end of their service.  Congratulations to all the officers who have been promoted. Any good news to the cadre is always welcome as it is far and few.

However, my heart goes out to those of my seniors from other Zones who are yet to be promoted and are disappointed. Just wondering what I could have done to redress their plight. 

May god give me strength to bear this cross,

the thorns of malady of the unfortunate

pricks my conscience with its barbs of ire

knowing not to say what, to buy peace 

with the oppressed and with myself 

But I know, meek acceptance of inequity 

breeds brazen injustice beware !

May god give me strength to bear this cross

Devoid of roses and holy water to cleanse. 

With those words, I lay down my office of the Secretary General of AIASCT consequent to my promotion as Assistant Commissioner. I have sent my resignation to the President of AIASCT today. During this journey of past 9 months I have realised the limitations of my extremely humble attributes, the support  and nurturing of my comrades,  love of my dear friends and the patience and care of my family. 

The twist of destiny pushed me to this post and I have tried to garner my inner strength and humble attributes to try to live upto the least of expectations. The unhinged support of Manimohan Ji through the journey cannot be expressed in words. I will refrain in naming others who have been pillars of support as I fear that I may miss out a few,  my humble  regards and sincere thanks to all those people who have helped me in shouldering this responsibility.  Thanking all the members for having faith in this Body. I want to specially thank the members of AIASCT Karnataka for their love, affection, support and adulation. I am every indebted to you all. 

Assuring that I will be at the beck and call of the new Secretary general at all times. 

God bless this Association, 

Jai Hind.

Yours truly

M.A. Jithendra

Former Secretary General

AIASCT

 

Legitimate Anticipations and Cruel Disappointments

 

Dear members and Friends,

 

The heightened anticipation at the end of the year and the heart breaking disappointment is all something which has been a bitter pill and will remain in our memory for long.  Everyone is looking for a scape goat to blame for the fiasco. The fact that the expected DPC was not to happen before 31st December 2022 was written all over the wall and only that we were not ready to read it. I had in my previous blog subtly indicated to this scenario.

Some points to consider are that the AISL 2007 to 2011 of Central tax side is yet to get the approval of the Board and to be published, same with the other feeder cadres from Customs side.  As I Understand the collection of DATA is nearly complete but has to be 100% complete before expecting any DPC. The new issue which has cropped up in the form of the order of Principal Bench of CAT filed by some of our stagnating units on Zonal disparity.   Though the AIB of AIASCT has clarified many times that we have not filed that case, it keeps haunting us like a ghost. Hundredth time it is clarified that AIB of AIASCT has not filed that case and we have already distanced our self from that case and intimated the same to the Board, in fact we had been advising these Seven Plus One stagnating units to withdraw from that case, but that is beyond that point now. The takeaway from this episode is that if Units fail to maintain organisational discipline and democratic process, they will have to face the fallout someday. Further, we feel that the order of the Hon'ble CAT in this case does not have any tooth excepting that this may allow the Administration to camouflage other reasons.

However, all is not gloom and dark, the above issues are something which can be resolved easily and does not require much time, there could be a delay of a few weeks but not later. Some elements have been pushing a false narrative in some WhatsApp Group of ACs that AIASCT does not want DPC, I don’t know why they keep doing this AIASCT bashing, we have never done or said anything about stalling any process of DPC, people privy to the CEC meetings are well aware of this stand of AIB. AIASCT has not and will not attempt anything retrograde like putting road blocks to any impending DPC,  that is not on our agenda. All we have done is to earnestly take up the issue of regional disparities which has been the cause of various litigations.  We firmly believe that resolving this issue will not only bring parity in promotions across zones but also will go a long way in paving a way for smoother promotional avenues for all.  We have been pushing a bigger agenda of promotions for all who are drawing AC scale in any form without upsetting the apple cart. Request all to stop falling prey to the false narrative of some partisan elements. 

An Office Council Meeting with all recognised Associations of CBIC has been called on 13.01.2023 which has been called by the Board after a period of Five years. Obviously the organisational efforts of this association are bearing fruits. This gives AIASCT opportunity to pursue the long standing unresolved issues of the cadre in a structured manner.   We have already submitted our points for inclusion in the agenda for discussions. A copy of the letter submitted may be found in this link: Points for OCM.  Assuring everyone that we will put in our best efforts to communicate the mood, issues and grievances of the cadre in right earnest without mincing words.

Any rock should give in to persistent hitting, so should any unresponsive authority to relentless perseverance.   Let’s welcome the new year with a gust of positivity that all good things will happen in this year, pick ourselves up, pull our socks and get ready for a final push for the deliverance of our desired goals.

Jai Hind.

Yours truly

M.A. Jithendra

Secretary General

AIASCT

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to All

 Dear Member and Friends,

Merry Christmas and season Greetings to all my members and friends. May the festive season also bring cheer to the cadre in the form of career progression and much anticipated promotions to the seniors. I wish that the new year begins with a bang and good news on DPC and promotions to many officers.

I am guarded in my optimism, as much is going on behind doors than visible to the naked eye.  As everybody knows the Hyderabad Stay is vacated but much has been spoken in conversation about the Interim Order in CAT, Mumbai. It appears to all that the Coast is clear but is it for the CBIC?  is the moot question only they can answer.

They also have been guarded in their utterances from the former buoyant approach in the past few months, god knows what has changed ?.  However, some of the issues pointed out by this Association has remained unresolved and we have been making efforts to make headway in getting justice for a larger number of officers. One such effort has been for a delegation of AIASCT to meet the Revenue Secretary to put across our issues and convey the need for 3000 additional posts of ACs in the ensuing CR.

The meeting with the Revenue Secretary has been positive in bringing across the deep rooted stagnation to his notice and the fact that nothing much has been done by the powers to be, to mitigate the issues. The Hon'ble Revenue Secretary was of the firm opinion that at least there should be three promotions in ones career. That's definitely  one step forward, lets see how far it will go?  Here, I should thank whole Heartedly the super approach of the Honorable Member of Parliament Shri, Tiruchi Siva who is a five time MP, and a much well read scholar who personally took the delegation of AIASCT  to the Revenue Secretary realising the long standing injustice meted out to the cadre. . We should be much indebted to him for his approach of taking up the issue whole heartedly and in a unhinged manner with a resolve to find a resolution. Rarely we can find such parliamentarians and the credit for finding one goes to the Coimbatore Unit and Com. Mani Mohan.

Will it? Wont it? before the end of the Year is something only future will answer. Yes there could be hurdles but can we cross them, do we have the tenacity to cross them? As long as there is injustice there will be litigations let us be clear about it,  the history should have taught us that much.  So the future will definitely grade us based on our choices. 

The way forward in the coming year would definitely be challenging and arduous if things go south on cadre restructuring, I call upon the cadre to be proactive to the calls of Association for a forward march on the issues and if need be stronger positioning. ": One Nation , One Tax is fine,  why only one promotion?"   should be our one liner.  So much to be done, so much to be achieved, so little done is how I would like to take a bow on this year and look forward to a horizon of light, prosperity and all goodness of the year to come.

Hope is the craziest dream, dream it, nurture it and let it blossom to reality one day.

Merry Christmas and seasons Greetings to all.

Jai Hind.

Yours truly

M.A. Jithendra

Secretary General

AIASCT