Issues Raised by Staff Associations and Directions of the Commissioner
An Office Council Meeting (OCM) of the CGST & Central Excise, Howrah Commissionerate was held on 02 September 2026 at the Conference Hall, M.S. Building, under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Commissioner, Shri Dinesh K. Chakravarthy.
The meeting provided an important platform for various staff associations to place issues concerning service matters, workload, infrastructure, welfare and working conditions before the Commissionerate administration. Representatives of five associations submitted agenda points for discussion.
Key Issues Discussed
🔹 Workload & Rationalisation of Range Jurisdiction
The issue of uneven distribution of taxpayers and staff across Ranges was discussed. The Commissioner directed that specific cases, supported by adequate facts and figures, be submitted through the proper channel for consideration.
🔹 Sensitive & Non-Sensitive Postings
The existing practice of two years in sensitive posting followed by two years in non-sensitive posting, in accordance with the latest transfer and posting policy norms, was endorsed.
🔹 MACP & Service Matters
The Commissioner emphasised that MACP should be granted strictly as per rules and directed expeditious and transparent disposal of pending cases. The process for the April–September 2026 period was reported to be in progress.
🔹 Pending Bills & Claims
Medical reimbursement, TA/TTA and other bills were discussed. The administration stated that claims are being processed in FIFO order, while eligible claims submitted through e-HRMS 2.0 can be digitally tracked. The Commissioner directed the CAO to follow FIFO and ensure expeditious reimbursement of due bills.
🔹 Office Infrastructure & Digital Equipment
Shortages of computers, printers, scanners, laptops and office space were raised. The Commissioner directed that computers/laptops be procured at the earliest. It was also informed that 140 printers had recently been distributed among concerned Divisions and Sections.
🔹 Biometric Attendance & Canteen
Of the 16 biometric attendance machines purchased, 8 were installed and functional at the M.S. Building and another 8 were installed in Division Offices. A canteen facility is also proposed to be opened in due course.
🔹 Sanitation & Washroom Facilities
The condition and maintenance of washrooms, including availability of water and handwash, received particular attention. The Commissioner directed the HQ pool to take up the matter with CPWD and ensure proper maintenance.
🔹 Infrastructure in Divisional Offices
Issues relating to ACs, lifts, seating, drinking water and other infrastructure facilities in divisional offices were also acknowledged, with efforts proposed in consultation with building owners/CPWD.
🔹 Service Book & Employee Records
The issue of providing photocopies of Service Books was also raised. The Additional Commissioner informed that officers may apply for the same and the Accounts section is required to provide them; this was endorsed by the Commissioner.
A Positive Step Towards Institutional Dialogue
The OCM is significant as it brought together representatives of different associations and the Commissionerate administration on a common platform to discuss practical issues affecting officers and staff.
The Association welcomes this initiative and hopes that the decisions and directions emerging from the OCM will translate into timely, tangible improvements in the working environment and service conditions of officers and staff.
— AIASCT, Kolkata