Forty-Four officials of customs and central excise have been selected for grant of the presidential award of appreciation certificate for specially distinguished record of service. These awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day.<br/>'<br/>The Awardees' performance in various fields includes the prevention of smuggling of contraband and narcotics drugs, detection of tax evasion and trade-based money laundering. Besides, many awardees have shown their brilliance and given laudable performance in other fields as varied as tax policy, revenue mobilization and development of software for automation of customs. <br/>'<br/>Every year, the officers and staff of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) Department are considered for grant of Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificate for 'exceptionally meritorious service rendered at the risk of life' and for Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificate for 'specially distinguished record of service' on their achieving and maintaining excellence in the discharge of their duties. <br/><br/>