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.