Palasamudram: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed campus of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics at Palasamudram, Sri Sathya Sai District in Andhra Pradesh, underscoring its significance in promoting good governance and boosting trade and industry.
The Prime Minister toured the academy’s premises, gaining insights into the latest technologies employed for training purposes, including Augmented & Virtual Reality, Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence. During the visit, PM Modi interacted with Officer Trainees from the Indian Revenue Service (Custom & Indirect Taxes) and officers from the Royal Civil Service of Bhutan.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi commended the academy’s inauguration, emphasizing the rich heritage of Palasamudram, associated with spirituality, nation-building, and good governance. He drew inspiration from prominent figures like Shri Satya Sai Baba, freedom fighter Padma Shri Kallur Subba Rao, and puppetry artist Dalavai Chalapathi Rao hailing from the region.
Highlighting the academy’s role, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the new campus of NACIN would contribute to shaping new dimensions of good governance while providing a significant impetus to trade and industry in the nation.
On Thiruvalluvar Day, PM Modi quoted the great Tamil sage, emphasizing the role of revenue officers in tax collection for the welfare of the people in a democracy. Drawing parallels with Shri Ram’s governance, PM Modi underscored the importance of a system that supports the poor and eliminates undeserving beneficiaries.
PM Modi lauded the tax reforms undertaken in the last decade, including the introduction of GST, simplified income tax, and faceless assessments. He noted that these reforms, along with increased transparency, have resulted in record tax collections, allowing the government to return people’s money through various schemes. The Prime Minister highlighted the recent IT exemption limit increase and the consistent growth in the number of taxpayers.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi linked the idea of Ram Rajya to the principles of true democracy, where every citizen’s voice is heard, and everyone receives due respect. He emphasized the four pillars of Ram Rajya, encouraging administrators to focus on justice, equality, protection of the weak, and the highest level of Dharma.
Reflecting on the reduction of poverty in the country, PM Modi shared the NITI Aayog report stating that almost 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last nine years. He credited this achievement to the government’s prioritization of the welfare of the poor since 2014.
PM Modi concluded by calling on administrators to contribute to nation-building by increasing the country’s income, investment, and enhancing the ease of doing business.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Y S Jahan Mohan Reddy, Union Minister for Finance, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, and Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal.