Ms. Vanaja N. Sarna, IRS (C&CE:1980) presently holding the charge as Member (Administration), has been appointed as Chairman, Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). She is taking over on superannuation of Shri Najib Shah, IRS (C&CE:79) today i.e. 31.03.2017.

Ms. Vanaja N. Sarna has served Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) in several capacities over the last 36 years. These include postings in Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax formations in Kochi, Delhi, Chennai, Meerut, Chandigarh and Bangalore. She has also worked as Additional Director General, National Academy of Customs, Excise & Narcotics (NACEN), in Chennai. She was also Additional Director General in Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence, New Delhi. She also served on deputation as Under Secretary, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and as Director/ Joint Secretary in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

Prior to becoming Member, Central Board of Excise and Customs, she held the charge of Director General of Vigilance and Chief Vigilance Officer of the Department.

Appointment of Revenue Board Chair: senior customs officer assumes charge following predecessor's superannuation, bringing extensive service experience. Appointment of the Chairman of the Central Board of Excise and Customs by a senior customs and central excise officer assuming charge on the superannuation of the incumbent, placing responsibility for customs, central excise and related revenue functions with an experienced career official who has occupied senior enforcement, training and vigilance roles.