A group of probationers of 66th(2014) Batch of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Central Excise) called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (August 22, 2016) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion,the President congratulated the officers for clearing the civil services examination. He stated that this reflected their merit and academic excellence.

The President said that collection of revenue was a very important responsibility of the State. The job of the officers was to facilitate the State in collection of revenue so that the Government could get its due share of revenue. He said that tremendous responsibilities would be entrusted on their shoulders at a very young age in civil services. This opportunity was not available in any other service. He advised them to remember what Kautilya had said about tax collection in the Arthshashtrawhere he says that a tax collector should collect taxes from a taxpayer just like a bee collects honey from a flower in an expert manner without disturbing its petals. He also urged the probationers to make use of the advancements in Information Technology and always keep themselves updated in order to discharge their responsibilities efficiently.

The President said that over the years, there has been tremendous change in the financial structure of the country. The passage of the GST legislation by Parliament is a major tax reform in recent times. He stated that its implementation would be the responsibility of the officers.

The probationers are presently undergoing professional training at the National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics, Faridabad.

This release issued at 1925 hrs