CBIC notifies Instruction on SOP for Preventive Vigilance Mechanism and to Prevent Flow of Suspicious Cash, illicit liquor etc. during Elections

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs(CBIC) has notified Instructions on Standard Operating Procedure for stepping up of Preventive Vigilance Mechanism by the jurisdictional CBIC field formations and to prevent flow of suspicious cash, illicit liquor, drugs/ narcotics, freebies and smuggled goods during elections.

The instruction is released based on the concerns raised by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Election Commission of India (ECI) has highlighted that the election expenditure monitoring mechanism, with its two thrust areas of keeping track of the legal expenditure incurred by the candidates and the political parties, requires coordination among the various expenditure monitoring teams and the various law enforcement agencies. ECI has also expressed concern that smuggled goods/contrabands and other illicit articles may be used to lure the voters during the election process, which would need to be checked by the law enforcement agencies including those of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Another aspect that would require focused attention is the use of non-monetary inducements and cash to lure voters, which too would need to be checked by keeping strict vigil on warehouses etc. to prevent the stocking of such goods for distribution.

ECI has stressed on the importance of coordinated and focused attention including proper sharing of information by the field formations of CBIC and all other agencies concerned for ensuring smooth and fair elections.

In this regard, the below mentioned SOP is to be followed by formations of CBIC to ensure conduct of free and fair elections.

As per Standard Operating Procedure, The Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs, Customs (Prev.)and Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Zones and the Principal Additional Director Generals (Pr. ADGs)/ Additional Director Generals (ADGs) of Zonal Units of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Directorate General of Goods and Service Tax Intelligence(DGGSTI) should attend all the meetings called by the Chief Election Commissioner or Member(s) of the ECI or on their behalf They should be well prepared with data/ information regarding the state of preparedness and various election related work done by their officers in the Zone.

SOP also pointed out that Pr. DG, DRI and Pr. DG, DGGSTI shall establish a Central Control Room at Hqrs. and a Control Room in each State/ UT concerned.

Pr. DG, DRI and Pr. DG, DGGSTI shall also direct their intelligence units to gather information and develop intelligence to effectively prevent unfair and unauthorized practices that could vitiate the elections.

Similarly, Pr. Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs, Customs (Prev.)and CGST Zones concerned shall establish sufficient number of Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams for effective conduct of road and transit checks of vehicles and verification of warehouses etc., as and when required, to curb illegal and prohibited activities.

In order to ensure against unauthorized diversion of liquor, cigarettes etc. special watch/stock-taking should be kept/ carried out in the Custom Bonded Warehouse.

The DRI should increase its vigil along the international border/ airports and its information gathering mechanism to check the flow of foreign currency/ gold/ narcotics etc. that could potentially be used for malpractices during the elections.

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