Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday delivered a strong message against corruption within the tax system, saying that the misconduct of a few officials was tarnishing the credibility of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Her sharp remarks came in the wake of the recent Chennai Customs bribery case, where Tamil Nadu-based importer Wintrack accused officials of demanding bribes.

Speaking at the inauguration of the CGST Bhawan in Ghaziabad, Sitharaman said, “The people of India are disappointed. A few officials are so disserving to the institution.” Emphasising that dishonest behaviour deeply upsets her, she urged senior officers to uphold transparency and ensure that the department’s image remains untarnished.

Reiterating the moral duty of tax officers, Sitharaman declared that integrity and fairness are non-negotiable in the administration of taxes. She advised officials to adopt the motto: “Galat kiya toh khair nahi, sahi kiya toh vair nahi” — meaning wrongdoers should not be spared, and honest taxpayers should not be harassed. Her statement underscored the ministry’s intent to deal firmly with corruption while protecting the compliant business community.

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The minister directed CGST and Customs field formations to enhance internal vigilance, swiftly resolve public grievances, and use technology to detect fake invoices and fraudulent input-tax-credit claims. She also called for systematic mapping of recurring complaints and identifying corruption-prone processes that need reform.

Sitharaman further instructed that disciplinary proceedings against errant officers must be completed swiftly, without procedural delays. “Don’t wait for guidelines — solve problems with a thinking mind,” she told officials, signalling an urgent push to clean up administrative processes and restore public trust in India’s tax institutions.

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