Guwahati, 1st March: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) at Land Customs Stations (LCS) of the North East Region (NER) via virtual mode from New Delhi.
The implementation of EDI at these remote LCSs is expected to streamline the movement of goods and customs clearances, thereby enhancing regional trade and fostering economic growth.
During the virtual inauguration, Chief Commissioner of Central Excise and Customs, Guwahati Zone, Bandana Deuri, emphasized the significance of leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and consolidate nation-building efforts, echoing the government’s Act East Policy.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, and other senior officials from CBIC and the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of creating modern digital infrastructure to ensure that the benefits of the digital revolution reach all citizens. Sitharaman had earlier commended CBIC for converting non-EDI LCSs in remote border areas of North and North-East India into EDI-integrated LCSs, urging the incorporation of the remaining functional LCSs in NER into the EDI System.
During the launch event, Sitharaman emphasized the importance of real-time data on the movement of goods, especially in addressing challenges faced by exports. She also urged Customs officials to remain alert and vigilant, particularly in sensitive border areas.
Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra highlighted the government’s commitment to making India a developed country by 2047 through the creation of modern digital infrastructure and the use of technology, including the EDI enablement of customs stations, which contributes to making tax systems and customs procedures ‘faceless’ and ‘automated.’
CBIC Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal emphasized the geostrategic significance and trade potential of the North Eastern Region, noting that the LCSs facilitate trade and transit with neighboring countries. He mentioned that there are 44 LCSs in NER covering 7 States, and the automation of custom processes at these stations has been a priority for Indian Customs.
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