In a key interaction ahead of a significant leadership transition at the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Shri Vivek Chaturvedi, Chairman-Designate of the Board, met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. The meeting was confirmed by the Finance Minister’s office through an official post on X.
The photograph shared by the Minister’s office shows Shri Chaturvedi seated across from the Finance Minister in her office, signalling a formal courtesy call as he prepares to assume charge of the country’s top indirect tax administration body. The interaction comes at a crucial time, with CBIC overseeing major policy initiatives and ongoing reforms in GST administration, customs modernisation, trade facilitation, and digital compliance systems.
According to officials familiar with the developments, such meetings are part of the standard protocol before a new Chairman assumes office. They typically involve discussions on priorities, operational challenges, and strategic goals for the Board. While the contents of the meeting were not disclosed, it is expected that key areas such as GST revenue trends, anti-evasion measures, capacity building within field formations, and technological upgrades formed part of the agenda.
The new leadership at CBIC is also likely to focus on enhancing taxpayer services, strengthening systems against fake invoicing and fraudulent input tax credit claims, and improving cross-border trade efficiency through streamlined customs procedures.
Shri Chaturvedi, a senior IRS (Customs & Indirect Taxes) officer with decades of experience across customs, GST, vigilance, and policy roles, is expected to bring continuity as well as renewed administrative direction to the organisation.
His meeting with the Finance Minister marks the beginning of this transition, setting the stage for his formal assumption of charge as Chairman of CBIC in the coming days.
