CBIC issues SOP

CBIC issues SOP

News: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued a standard operating procedure (SoP) to prevent the use of freebies, illicit liquor, and other prohibited items to lure voters during upcoming elections in India.

What is Standard Operating Procedure?
• It is a set of guidelines and instructions that define how a particular task or process should be carried out. SoPs are created to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance with established protocols.

What is SOP issued by CBIC?
• It aims to ensure fair and transparent elections by preventing the flow of suspicious cash, illicit liquor, drugs/narcotics, freebies and smuggled goods during assembly and general elections.
• In line with the directions of the Election Commission, CBIC has instructed its field officials to monitor both monetary and non-monetary inducements used during the election process.
• The officials will establish surveillance teams, conduct checks on vehicles and warehouses, and apprehend smuggled goods. Setting up flying squads and static surveillance teams for vehicles check and verification of warehouses.
• Movement of items like saris, party flags etc. associated with candidates or political parties without an eway bill may be confiscated.
• The tax officers will report their activities to the Election Commission on a daily basis.

About CBIC:
• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is the authority responsible for administering indirect taxes such as GST, central excise, customs, and narcotics in India.
• It is a statutory body and established under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 19631. The CBIC works under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• The CBIC is headed by a Chairperson and consists of six Members. The Chairperson and the Members are appointed by the President of India. The CBIC has two main wings: GST and Customs.