Key Customs, Excise posts to be filled soon

The two commissionerates are key in terms of the revenue as well as industries handled by them. Last year8217;s revenue realisation figure for Mumbai II was over Rs 1,600 crore, whereas for Mumbai VII it was over Rs 1,200 crore. CE Mumbai II has major refineries, besides tobacco and cigarette industries. CE Mumbai VII covers the highly sensitive industrial district of Raigad, and is house to big names like Bombay Dyeing, Rama Petrochemicals and Reliance Industries.

That the CBEC can afford to keep such crucial charges without a full commissioner for five months is rather surprising. Though a name for Mumbai VII had been announced in the May 1999 orders, that order was later cancelled. Mumbai II has not had any commissioner allotted at all.

One post of Customs Commissioner Appeal and one in Excise 8212; Commissioner 8212; adjudication, are also vacant.

Some observers of the department, however, said the appointments may not come in a hurry in view of the government8217;s recent line of downsizing the administration.