(a) whether the Government has received complaints regarding harassment by Customs Officials in various ports particularly Kandla Port:
(b) if so, the details thereof and action taken thereon: and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government / Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) to check such incidents?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI JAY ANT SINHA)
(a)& (b) Yes, Madam. Four cases of complaint of harassment by Customs Officials have been received. Charge sheet for major penalty was issued in one case, two cases have been closed and one case is still under investigation.
(c) Sensitive posts have been identified keeping in view the guidelines of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). There is a system of periodical transfer whereby no officer is allowed to be posted in the identified sensitive post beyond a period of two years. Further periodical vigilance audits are being conducted apart from surprise vigilance checks. A list of officers of doubtful integrity is being maintained and these officers are placed under watch and not given any sensitive posting till the time their names remain in the list.