Thousands of superintendents in the Central GST and Central Excise Department have announced a phased nationwide agitation over delayed promotions and unresolved service-related demands, with officers scheduled to wear black badges from November 23 to 27, 2026.
The All India Association of Superintendents of Central Tax (AIASCT), which announced the programme, has sought intervention from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and other authorities. The association alleges that limited promotional opportunities have left many officers retiring with just one promotion despite nearly three decades of service.
The decision to launch the agitation was taken at the association’s Central Executive Committee meeting held in Bhopal on September 12 and 13, 2026. Representatives from across the country discussed promotion bottlenecks, service conditions, career progression and staff welfare.
Pending Seniority Lists And Promotions Among Key Concerns
A principal demand is the early finalisation and publication of the All India Seniority Lists for the period after 2014. The association has also called for completion of the pending Departmental Promotion Committee process for promotions to the post of Assistant Commissioner.
According to AIASCT, eligible officers continue to await advancement despite repeated representations to the authorities. The association maintains that prolonged delays have created serious stagnation within the cadre.
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Association Seeks Comprehensive Cadre Restructuring
AIASCT has also demanded comprehensive cadre restructuring, stating that the previous exercise took place in 2014.
The association contends that restructuring was expected to be reviewed every five years. It says the absence of a fresh exercise for more than a decade has further restricted career progression.
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Its other demands include uniform implementation of court judgments across zones, regularisation of ad hoc promotions in the superintendent grade and grant of Non-Functional Upgradation to eligible officers.
The association has additionally sought resolution of pay-fixation issues relating to January 1, 1996, along with payment of consequential arrears.
Black-Badge Protest From November 23 To 27
The announced protest programme included a social media campaign on November 1 to draw attention to the pending demands.
Officers are scheduled to wear black badges from November 23 to 27. On December 9, lunch-hour demonstrations and gate meetings are planned at headquarters across the country.
The phased programme seeks to bring the officers’ grievances before the authorities and press for time-bound action.
Further Agitation Possible If Demands Remain Unresolved
AIASCT has warned that it may intensify the agitation if the authorities fail to take concrete steps within a defined timeframe.
Possible further measures include work-to-rule, non-cooperation, discontinuing the use of personal mobile phones for official work and holding dharnas. These measures have been identified as potential future steps rather than actions already underway.
The association has appealed to superintendents nationwide to participate collectively and has sought support from AICEIA and CIRSA.
While announcing the protests, AIASCT has also expressed its willingness to continue constructive dialogue with the authorities to secure resolution of the officers’ service grievances and improve career progression.
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