Central Excise Day 2024: Date, theme, significance and history

February 24th marks the annual celebration of 'Central Excise Day' in India. Central Excise Day, observed on February 24th in India, commemorates the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act of 1944. This day was celebrated for the first time in 1944.

Theme of Central Excise Day 2024:

• The theme of Central Excise Day for the year 2024 has not been officially announced yet.

Importance of India's Central Excise Day: 

• The significance of celebrating Central Excise Day is to recognize the contribution of CBIC and its officials to the country. Central Excise Day serves as a reminder to citizens to fulfill their tax obligations promptly, thereby contributing to the nation's development.
• The government is dedicated to modernizing and streamlining the tax system in India, aiming for enhanced user-friendliness. This day 2024 is an opportunity to take steps towards this goal.
• The Board has organized various programmes and events to create awareness about the importance of payment of taxes and the role of the Excise Department in the economy.
• The day is also used to honor the contributions of CBIC officers. They work tirelessly to ensure that the goods produced and consumed in India are of good quality. These products must meet safety standards.

History of Central Excise Day of India:

• The history of Central Excise Day began in 1944 when the Government of India approved the Central Excise and Salt Act.
• This Act was a combination of 11 Acts related to excise duty. It was passed to make changes in the law relating to salt and central duties.
• On February 24th, 1944, the Central Excise and Salt Act was enacted. In memory of this law, Central Excise Day is celebrated every year on 24 February.
• In 1966, the Act underwent a name change to become the Central Excise Act of 1944. Schedules 1 and 2 of this Act dealt with the values and rates of duties.

International Customs Day 2024:

• CBIC celebrated International Customs Day 2024 in New Delhi on the theme of ‘Customs engaging traditional and new partners with purpose’. This day is celebrated every year on 27 January.