CBEC Releases Postage Stamp to Celebrate 50 years of Customs Act

Central Board of Excise and Customs is celebrating 2012 as the Golden Jubilee year to commemorate 50 years of the Customs Act, 1962. As a part of these celebrations, a Postage Stamp and a Coffee Table book on Indian Customs -“Anything to Declare” were released at a function held on 26 July in New Delhi.

Union Minister of Communication & Information Technology, Kapil Sibal, while issuing the first commemorative Postage Stamp on Indian Customs, remarked that the Commemorative Stamp is being issued to acknowledge the sincere efforts of the Customs Administration in nation building and in guarding our economic frontiers. Mr. Sibal also mentioned that Indian Customs is also at the forefront of taking trade facilitation initiatives which benefit trade and bring greater transparency. While tracing the origin of Indian Customs to Arthashastra, the economic treatise of Kautilya, the Union Minister highlighted the major challenges currently confronting the Department. He also praised the increasingly significant role played by Indian Customs in various global fora including the World Customs organization. The stamp released on the occasion depicts the Customs Department as guardians of the economic frontier of the country. It symbolizes the vigil exercised by the Customs officers. Mr. Sibal expressed hope that the release of the commemorative stamp would inspire the officers of the department to garner the much needed revenue and also to strive to meet the commitments made in its Citizen’s Charter.

On this occasion a Coffee Table book on Indian Customs titled “Anything to Declare” was also released by S.S. Palanimanickam, Union Minister of State for Revenue. “Anything to Declare?” celebrates 50 years of the Customs Act 1962. Enriched by lucid text and interesting photographs, it enlivens the glorious past of the Department—its journey in time, its evolution, the splendid buildings, its various functions and international role. This book will help the readers know more about the working of Indian Customs and see it in the light of a friendly facilitator. While applauding the tireless and dynamic services rendered by the Department in its commitment to be reckoned as a vital force for the security and economic well-being of the nation, the Union Minister of State for Revenue also appreciated the Department’s endeavour to achieve excellence as a facilitator of international trade.

Speaking on the occasion, S.K. Goel, Chairman, CBEC highlighted the paradigm shift in the role of present day Customs including the change in the profile of smuggling and other economic frauds. In remembrance of the officers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our country, he emphasized the need for constant vigil at the borders. Recounting India’s vital contribution to the global Customs fraternity, Mr. Goel exuded confidence that Indian Customs would surpass all expectations and continue to make our nation proud in the years to come.

[Source: Ministry of Finance, PIB Press Release dated 26^th July 2012]