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