Excise secretary directs officials for strict law enforcement

“Increase filed visits, ensure strict law enforcement”

GANGTOK, :Newly appointed Excise secretary Jeewan Subba chaired the first coordination meeting with the officers and field officials from all six districts at the department headquarters here on Thursday.

The meeting had the presence of Excise commissioner Binita Chettri and additional secretary Samten Dolma Bhutia, informs a press release.

At the outset, the Excise secretary informed the gathering that Chief Minister PS Golay, who is also the Excise minister, had given him strict instructions to streamline the department and also oversee the smooth functioning of the department.

During the meeting, two main agendas, viz., revenue collection and improvement of service delivery mechanism, were discussed in detail.

Talking about the revenue generation, the Excise secretary informed that the government has asked the department to increase it by at least 10% in the current fiscal year.He also expressed his disappointment about how the revenue generation from fines and confiscation was not up to the mark, and therefore the field officers and staff need to give proper attention in this regard.

The secretary also asked the field officers and staff to work with more zeal and enthusiasm while keeping the interest of the department in the forefront and by not carrying personal agendas.

He further directed officials to conduct at least 15 field visits during the month supervised by a gazetted officer. The officials should be in uniform during the visit, and the report about the same should reach the headquarters within two days, he added. He also mentioned the importance of knowing the Excise laws and urged officers and personnel of the department to have proper knowledge about them.

Talking about the importance of having a smooth delivery service mechanism, Subba categorically stated that the public should not face any bottlenecks while procuring a license or renewal of it from the department and procrastination should be avoided at all costs.

An interaction session was also held where the officers from all six districts placed their grievances. The Excise secretary assured full cooperation while adding that he has very high regard for those who work hard and keep the interest of the department in the forefront.

He also added that he will not shy away from taking necessary action against the underperforming personnel, the release mentions.