Indian Customs Celebrates 60 years of Service in India

Ambar Bhattacharya, Takmaa News, Kolkata, 10th Dec 2022 : This year Indian Customs is celebrating the 60th anniversary of enactment of the Customs Act, 1962. A series of events are being held across the country to commemorate this milestone. In the same sequence Kolkata Customs organized a spectacular event in the evening of  09.12.2022 at Kolkata Customs Club (opp. Eden Garden).  

The officers of the department showcased the illustrious history and variety of roles of the Customs through a play, with brilliant performances. It was a completely inhouse production right from the script to direction and acting. 

A thirty minute documentary was also released on the occasion. It shows the sterling role of Kolkata Customs in facilitating the cargo movement to our neighboring SAARC nations of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangaldesh. The contribution of Kolkata Customs as an enabler of economic development and elevation of International Trade in the eastern region of the country is explained in the documentary.

After the welcome speech by Shri Ataur Rahman, Commissioner of Customs, Kolkata, Shri Anil Kumar Gupta, Chief Commissioner of Kolkata Customs Zone delivered the keynote address. He sketched the historical evolution of Customs over the years. He mentioned that in the 60 years since enactment of Customs Act, 1962, the department has come a long way. From an enforcing agency it has transformed into a facilitator of trade and international passengers. The business processes are completely automated. More than 80 percent of trade and 99 percent of passengers are cleared through green channel. 

Consuls General of neighboring countries Nepal, Bhutan etc. along with other dignitaries from Central and State Government departments, PSUs, members of trade and others were present to grace the occasion. Shri Eshor Raj Poudel, Consul General from Nepal Consulate expressed their gratitude for cooperation from Kolkata customs.

Vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Ranjan Khanna, Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), West Bengal.