In a noteworthy development, the Ministry of Finance has recently unveiled a postage stamp to honor the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The stamp is a tribute to the DRI for its laudable service and valuable contribution towards preserving the national interest.
About the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
The DRI functions as the premier anti-smuggling agency in India. This influential body operates under the jurisdiction of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, an integral part of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
Transformation of Central Board of Excise and Customs
In 2018, the Central Board of Excise and Customs underwent a renaming process to become the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). This structural change followed the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST), a comprehensive multi-stage, destination-based tax that replaced multiple cascading taxes levied by the central and state governments.
Responsibilities of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
The CBIC holds a diverse range of duties in its portfolio. One of the major responsibilities is to devise policies related to levy and collection of Customs, Central Excise duties, Central Goods & Services Tax and Integrated GST. Alongside this, the CBIC is also mandated to prevent smuggling on all fronts.
The board has been tasked with detecting and curbing smuggling of contraband, which includes but is not limited to drug trafficking and illicit international trade in wildlife and environmentally sensitive items. Another crucial aspect of its work is combating commercial frauds associated with international trade and evasion of Customs duty.
Anti-Smuggling National Coordination Centre (SCord)
In addition to its other roles, the DRI has been appointed as the lead agency for the Anti-Smuggling National Coordination Centre (SCord).
The Establishment and Legacy of DRI
The DRI was formally constituted on 4th December, 1957. Since its inception, it has worked relentlessly to uphold its mandate.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Parent Organization | Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India |
| Establishment | 4th December, 1957 |
| Main Responsibility | Averting smuggling and commercial frauds associated with international trade |
| Role in SCord | Lead Agency |
Source of Information
All details included in this article have been sourced from the official publication of the Government of India – the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
