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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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)

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

 

Delhi Visit Update: A Step Forward on Key Cadre Issues

Dear Members,

Greetings of the Day!

Team AIASCT, undertook a two-day (7^th & 8^th April, 2026) visit to Delhi as part of a courtesy visit to engage with senior authorities. While the visit was primarily courtesy in nature, key cadre-related issues were also discussed in detail. The interactions were constructive and aimed at addressing long-pending concerns of the cadre.

On the first day, the team met officials of DGHRD as part of a courtesy visit. The interaction was held in a very cordial atmosphere, with officers taking keen interest in understanding and discussing the core issues concerning the cadre. Key matters, particularly the preparation of the All India Seniority List (AISL) and cadre restructuring, were discussed in detail among other issues.

Regarding AISL, it was informed that the Zonal Seniority Lists from three zones - Delhi, Lucknow, and Vadodara are still pending. DGHRD is actively pursuing the matter and has requested the Association also to take all possible steps to expedite the process so as to facilitate the conduct of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) at the earliest.

On cadre restructuring, a constructive discussion took place. It was conveyed that the number of posts is being examined based on functional requirements. The team emphasised the need to ensure that restructuring translates into tangible improvements in career progression. DGHRD appreciated the inputs shared and invited the Association for a follow-up meeting on the next day, specifically to deliberate further on cadre restructuring, where greater clarity was expected.

On 08.04.2026, Team AIASCT met the Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, as part of a courtesy visit. The Member (Admin) also joined the discussion. The meeting was held in a very cordial and positive atmosphere, with the Chairman being receptive to the concerns raised.

The issue of delay in receipt of Zonal Seniority Lists from 3 zones was apprised to the Chairman, emphasizing its direct impact on finalisation of AISL and the consequent delay in conducting the DPC. The Chairman assured that the matter would be actively followed up by his office.

The team also discussed several important issues, including the 01.01.1996 matter, cadre restructuring, draft guidelines for Zonal AGT, scheduling of OCM and other related concerns. The Chairman responded positively and encouraged the Association to extend constructive support for the overall benefit of the cadre. Certain issues were flagged to the Member (Admin) for necessary follow-up. The team also met separately with the Member (Admin) and elaborated on these matters in detail.

Team AIASCT with Chairman and Member (Admin), CBIC

In continuation, the team met JS (Admin), CBIC, and acknowledged her proactive intervention in the regularisation issue of Superintendents under Mumbai CCA. It was conveyed that the matter would be examined further upon receipt of the pending reply from the concerned CCA.

The team also revisited DGHRD for a detailed discussion on cadre restructuring. DGHRD provided a comprehensive briefing on the draft restructuring model being developed based on workload and functional requirements, including aspects relating to Branch B service. The team highlighted the concerns of members and strongly advocated for improved career progression avenues. The Association assured full and constructive support in the restructuring process. DGHRD was receptive to the suggestions and has invited the Association to submit detailed, data-backed inputs to make the proposal more justifiable.

Overall, the two-day visit to Delhi and meetings with various authorities were meaningful. The engagements reflect a constructive and forward-looking dialogue between the Association and the administration. It is hoped that the issues taken up will see positive and timely progress in the larger interest of the cadre.

With Fraternal Regards,

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General
AIASCT