Sir,
D.O.F.No.334/5/2015-TRU dated 30.04.2015 issued by Joint Secretary (TRU-I) clarifies that-
1) Rule 3(7)(b) of the CCR, 2004 has been amended so as to allow utilisation of credit of Education Cess and Secondary & Higher Education Cess for payment of basic excise duty in the following situations:
a. Education Cess and Secondary & Higher Education Cess on inputs or capital goods received in the factory of manufacture of final product on or after the 1st day of March, 2015;
b. Balance 50% Education Cess and Secondary & Higher Education Cess on capital goods received in the factory of manufacture of final product in the financial year 2014-15; and
c. Education Cess and Secondary & Higher Education Cess on input services received by the manufacturer of final product on or after the 1st day of March, 2015.
In view of the above credit balance of education cess and secondary and higher education cess as on 28.02.2015 will not be allowed to be utilised for payment of cenvat duty. The intent of the Government is that such balance would lapse. The only remedy available is to seek intervention of High Courts in exercise of their extra-ordinary powers under Art. 226 of Constitution of India.