Standard Operating Procedure for stepping up of Preventive Vigilance Mechanism by the jurisdictional CBIC field formations and to prevent flow of suspicious cash, illicit liquor, drugs/narcotics, freebies and smuggled goods during elections

Central Board of Indirect taxes & Customs vide notification dated 23.03.2024 has issued a Standard Operating Procedure for stepping up of Preventive Vigilance Mechanism by the jurisdictional CBIC field formations and to prevent flow of suspicious cash, illicit liquor, drugs/narcotics, freebies and smuggled goods during elections. The tax authorities shall suitably brief & sensitize their officers about their responsibilities. They shall also forthwith and throughout the elections closely monitor the steps taken by the respective officers to implement the directions of the ECI especially in use of non-monetary inducements (sarees, shirts, caps, scarves, white goods, masks, kitchen items, etc.) and cash to luEstablish a Central Control Room at Hqrs. and a Control Room in each State/ UT concerned.

They shall also designate a Nodal officer at Hqrs. and in each State/ UT concerned. The State-wise information of the Control Room(s) and Nodal officer(s) with full contact details would be shared with each other and Pr. Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs, Customs (Prev.) and CGST Zones concerned.

The consolidated details/ list would also be circulated directly by the Pr. DG, DRI and Pr. DG, DGGI to other enforcement agencies and ECI with a copy marked to Commissioner (Investigation-Customs), CBIC and Commissioner (Investigation-GST), CBIC and direct their intelligence units to gather information and develop intelligence to effectively prevent unfair and unauthorized practices that could vitiate the elections.