The Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) has exceeded its target in recovering arrears of revenue fixed for the financial year 2007-08. As against the target of Rs. 3550 crore, the department has collected Rs. 5035 crore, which is 42% higher than the target.

CBEC had adopted a Task-Force based approach for recovery of arrears in an effective manner. The Task-Force known as Tax Recovery Cell (TAR) is headed by an officer of the rank of Chief Commissioner and is assisted by nodal officers stationed at six different locations across the country. A well formulated Action Plan implemented in the F.Y 2007-08 included the sensitization of Commissioners/Chief Commissioners by holding review meetings at Nodal/Zonal levels, initiating steps for vacation of the stay orders in deserving cases, filing early hearing applications in Courts/CESTAT and regular follow-up of such cases, circulation of favourable orders, including those for pre-deposit, passed by CESTAT / Courts for quick recovery of connected arrears, immediate recovery of arrears free from restraints and regular monitoring of performance of field formations in arrears collection.

Concerted efforts made by TAR in close coordination with the field offices, DGCEI and DGRI has aided in achieving this record realisation.

Tax recovery measures strengthened through task force coordination and procedural steps increased arrears collection efficiency nationwide. A centrally led Tax Recovery Cell (TAR) and nodal officers executed a structured Action Plan-including nodal/zonal reviews, steps to vacate judicial stays, filing early hearing applications, circulation of favourable orders, immediate enforcement where unrestrained, and ongoing monitoring of field formations-to accelerate recovery of tax arrears in coordination with investigative directorates and field offices.