F. No.
AICEIA/Mumbai/Misc/2016
Mumbai, the 20th April, 2017
To,
The Additional Director General,
(HRM –I), DGHRD, CBEC,
New Delhi.
Sir,
Sub: - Proposed
restructuring/reorganization of Department consequent
to rolling out GST from July 2017 –
reg.
With the passage of the GST from both the houses of parliament, the major
indirect tax reform of the century is
just few steps away before becoming part and partial of our robust tax
mechanism, which in all probability will be effective from not later than July,
2017 as has already been reckoned by Hon’ble Finance Minister. This historic
event will require administrative changes as well as organizational changes in
the entire formation.
As has been in all the cases, this
time also all the officers of the department had given their utmost support,
and are not leaving any stone unturned so as to make the rollout GST
successful. All the officers have successfully undergone training for the same
and are ready for any challenge that may come on the way after GST rollout.
However, it is a universal fact that human beings are bit receptive as well as
apprehensive for any drastic and phenomenal change, and these human values
can’t be ignored in the case of departmental officers too.
Further, it is a universal fact that the
life in Metro and the suburban area of Mumbai has its own impact on all the
residents, and same can’t be ignored in the case of cadre officers who has to
make use of public means of transport, commuting in which at the peak hours is
a tough nut to crack which drains out lot of energy which otherwise could be
harnessed in productive official work. Advantages and disadvantages are there,
but everyone has to manage their best under the given circumstances.
The members of AICEIA, Mumbai Circle
are also worried, considering the past experiences. Hope that in the near
future, all these apprehensions, as what will be the structure, how the staff
will be deployed in the new tax regime etc., will be set to rest.
The factor most affecting,
both the trade as well as staff in the field, is the infrastructureprovided,
which always has been a grey area with even basic amenities of office becoming
a cause of struggle, for the lower staff. AICEIA Mumbai suggests and requests
that immediate steps be taken so that all the infrastructure issues are
sorted out on priority basis. If required, the stake holders may also be
involved in the process of deliberation and inviting suggestions in the matter.
As has been represented by the association in earlier
occasions, it is once again reiterated here that the welfare of the trade
alongwith the same of the officers should be the guiding principles during GST
reorganization. All the efforts should be such that the headquarters should
be within the jurisdictional area of the respective Commissionerate so as to
facilitate the trade. Further, the posting of the officers should be
done based on the place of residence so as to bring out the maximum
efficiency from all the officers.
It is also requested that all Staff should be provided
office space according to Manual on Infrastructure published by DGHRD. For
example, one Range should have area of 530 Sq. ft. as one Range will comprise 1
Superintendent, 2 Inspectors, 1 Tax Assistant and 1 Hawaldar. So as per norms
the area comes 530 Sq. ft. The same criteria should be followed in other
formations as per norms.
Although Board has finalized the number of Commissionerates/Directorates and
other subordinate offices, we feel that the Administration does not have proper
data, either as to how much of the assesse-base will be lost to the State
Administration or how much of the business activity will be gained by us.
Hence, the Association feels that it is premature at this juncture to go in for
reorganization.
We are also aware that our current network system
is incapable to cope with the new system. For the failure of the system and
lack of its up-gradation, the officers are being subjected to harassment.
Hence, this aspect may also be looked into.
A wholistic approach needs to be
followed keeping the welfare of all the stake holders into account. We
understand that change is an important part of life, but if it is done after
taking into confidence, all the constituents, then the process of change is smooth
and good for the entire organization and its stake holders. But if the same is
done unilaterally, then it becomes a cause of unrest and resentment.
We hope that the Administration
will not allow the situation to degrade to such an extent and the
Administration, under your kind control, will involve all the Staff
associations to be part of the deliberation and will move with pace to adopt
the changes, for the betterment of all.
Thanking You,
Yours faithfully,
(ABHISHEK
SINGH)
General
Secretary