Reinventing CBEC in the times of GST

I totally agree with the author that the officers in CBEC are demotivated lot for the reasons recorded. But at the same time, I totally disagree that a fresh study using external agencies need to be undertaken. I feel it is further wasteful exercise, as our department has not taken note of such earlier reports seriously and made attempts to motivate the officers. In this regards the recent DRISHTI, TARC are no exception. No purpose will be served unless it is implemented in letter and spirit. The norms prescribed have never been adhered to. No action whatsoever initiated on any one for not sticking on to such norms prescribed. All such reports are lying in paper only. No one cares to implement them. When this is the attitude, there is no sense in getting another report.
Similarly department has not provided basic facilities to its working members. The basic tools such as computers, internet facility, or manuals, tariffs have not been provided to all the field formations. Even when requests for such working tools are made, the same have not been attended to. The ACES, intended to be for total automation has remained ineffective inspite of bundles of recommendations and suggestions. Same is the problems faced in customs wing. In respect of service tax, less said the better. There is no proper working atmosphere provided. But whenever anything goes wrong, only the lowest rung of the officers are held responsible and treated as culprits. In such a situation, I don't find the necessity of another report. Let us first get together to reform ourselves internally. Instead of talking, let us start doing good things at all levels to bring a change in the department. There is immediate need to work as an integrated family, forgetting the colonial hangovers.
Further I proudly add that our senior officers are capable and are in a better position to understand and deploy the staff in GST regime. But there is requirement of initiating such step from the top. It is not difficult, but requires resolute efforts by all sections of the department. We can do it ourselves, I am confident. Let us not waste money on another futile report about our deployment.
M G Kodandaram,Superintendent NACEN,Bangalore

madihally kodandaram 29/06/2016