BS People: Sumit Dutt Majumder

Excise duties

Unfazed by political hurdles in the introduction of a goods & services tax (GST), Sumit Dutt Majumder, who recently took over as chairman of the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC), is working towards putting in place the technology and processes for the much-awaited – and much delayed -- indirect tax regime. While it is almost certain that GST won’t be introduced before April 2012, the man at the helm of CBEC is certain of one thing: The back-end processes will be ready.

Majumder took over from V Sridhar, who retired on November 30. While he was closely involved in GST preparations as member (excise), his elevation also called for his close involvement in the Budget-making exercise. Sources in North Block say so far he has well managed to juggle both tasks by spending more time in the office.

Not that Majumder isn’t used to working overtime. Even as member, he would stay late into the night at work to meet all his visitors, unlike his predecessor. The added responsibility of his new role hasn’t changed his down-to-earth nature, but the secrecy surrounding the Budget formulation does not allow him to entertain too many visitors. Majumder’s junior colleagues describe him as a man of integrity, who leads by example.

Majumder’s appointment as CBEC chairman was not entirely smooth. He was not eligible for the post, as under the rules at the time, a minimum of one year’s residual service was required to become CBEC chief. Majumder fell short by just one month. The rules were later changed.

Majumder joined the Indian Revenue Service in 1974, and has held various posts in the revenue department. He has been a member of various expert groups and committees on subjects like handling customs & excise appeals, service tax Commissionerates and cadre reogranisation, as well as trade facilitation.

Majumder has been deputed for about six years to three external organisations — the 1982 Asian Games Organising Committee, the 1983 Non-Aligned Meet secretariat and the Middle East Office of the Spices Board at Bahrain in 1983-87. He has received the Asiad Jyoti award from the President of India for his exceptional service in organising the 1982 Asian Games.