For India, February 24 marks the Central Excise Day. It is observed to appreciate the services of employees of the Central Board of Excise and Custom (CBEC) and motivate them to carry out central excise duty in a better way.

What is central excise?
Central excise duty is an indirect duty that every citizen of the country, from rich to poor, pays indirectly on purchase of goods which have already been charged to duty. It is administered under the authority of Entry 84 of Union List of the Seventh Schedule read with Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

When and how was it levied?

The Union Government levied central excise duties on commodities or products that are manufactured or produced within the country, as against the State excise duties which are levied on alcoholic drinks, opium, etc.  Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985, which came into effect in 1986, enlists the commodities on which central excise duties are levied.

Significance of Central Excise Day

Central Excise Day is celebrated to commemorate the legislation of Central Excise and Salt Act on February 24, 1944. On this day, officers of the government’s central excise department are honoured and encouraged to sincerely carry out their duties of checking corruption of goods from the manufacturing sector.

How is Central Excise Day celebrated?

Central excise day is observed to acknowledge the importance of the CBEC in the industrial development of the country.  On this day, the board organizes many programs including seminars, workshops, awareness programmes, educational and cultural programmes, competitions and award ceremonies.