Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

24-January-2012 18:30 IST

The year 2012-13 marks 50 years of the Customs Act, 1962 and to celebrate the occasion, Central Board of Excise and Customs’ (CBEC)  tableau depicting “Indian Customs: Guardians Of Our Economic Frontiers” is part of this year’s Republic Day Parade. Beside being a significant contributor to Central Government Revenue & facilitator of international movement of passengers & goods, Indian Customs protects our economy, environment, wildlife and heritage by checking smuggling including that of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), endangered species of flora & fauna, arts & antiquities among others. By checking the smuggling of Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances, the Customs Department plays an important role in preserving and promoting our social well-being. The Customs Department has presence at International Airports, Sea Ports and Land Customs Stations.

The first ever tableau of Central Board of Excise and Customs presents the myriad facets of the working of Indian Customs and the proactive role it plays in facilitating trans-border movement of persons & goods, while exercising eternal vigilance.

The signature tune of Indian Customs ‘Pragati Ki Dhadkan’ shall be played with the tableau. This tune has been specially composed by noted music director Shri Adesh Srivastava. This Signature tune marks a curtain raiser to the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Indian Customs Act, 1962.  It captures the presence of Indian Customs on the Indian waters, over the Indian skies and the land borders in the three movements of the music.  Its vibrant beat is evocative of this dynamic force and symbolises the March of Progress.

The Indian Customs tableau is of special significance as 26^th January is also celebrated as Customs Day.

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DSM/SS/Hb

Customs protection of economic frontiers showcased, highlighting revenue collection, anti-smuggling and border facilitation roles during golden jubilee. The CBEC's tableau for the Golden Jubilee of the Customs Act, 1962 presents Indian Customs as revenue collectors and facilitators of international movement while emphasising enforcement at airports, seaports and land stations against smuggling of fake currency, narcotics, endangered species and antiquities, thereby protecting the economy, environment, wildlife and cultural heritage; the display is accompanied by a specially composed signature tune and coincides with Customs Day.