Interrogation rooms of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, customs clearance offices and checkposts will have to mandatorily install cameras, according to a directive from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. The move comes following a recommendation from the Parliamentary Standing committee on finance.
“The Board has asked all the zonal heads to install CCTV cameras in all the DRI interrogation room, Customs offices and enquiry rooms to ensure more transparency in the enforcement of the laws,” a senior official told ET. The official added that the department had already placed a procurement order for CCTV cameras for 60% of offices, the installation is expected to be completed 100% by the end of this year. “The purpose is that all formal and informal interactions between the official and taxpayers at place of duty has to be recorded,” the official added. The CBIC had received some complaints from both businesses and passengers about harassment by some customs officials at airports. The board recently suspended three officials on complaint of three international passengers, alleging harassment. Earlier this year from April 15, the board made it mandatory for Customs officials clearing cargo at sea ports to sport jackets fitted with Body worn Camera with video and audio recording facility.
The CBIC had said this will not only improve transparency and ease of doing business through leveraging technology, but will also help in keeping scope for upfront evidence in case of an offence or likely offence, and enhancing the protection of interest of the Customs officer against frivolous complaints.