Govt open to demand for Customs amnesty

DESIGNING EFFECTIVE POLICY FRAMEWORKA CHALLENGE: FINMIN OFFICIAL

- KULDEEP SINGH

THE GOVERNMENT REMAINS open to the industry's demand for a well-structured Customs Amnesty scheme, which was notably absent from the Union Budget for FY27 presented on Sunday, despite it figuring in the pre-budget wish lists.

A top finance ministry official, indicated that while the administration recognises the need for such a mechanism to address legacy customs disputes, the challenge lies in designing an effective policy framework.

"We worked very hard on the amnesty scheme for Customs but somehow it was not getting worked out...," the official said, on condition of anonymity. "If there are ideas, we are still open to take it into consideration. We would like to do it if we get a good plan and we have time."