The Central Excise Day is being observed across the country today. The day marks the day of enactment of the central excise & salt act, 1944.

On the occassion, Finance Minister, Minister of State for Finance and Finance Secretary have extended their greetings to the officers and staff of the Central Excise Department.

In his message, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that the Central Excise Department, CED, has an important role to play in promoting industrial growth.

Mr. Mukherjee said that the Department has also taken a number of measures for rationalization of tax structure to facilitate trade and adoption of Information Technology for improved service delivery to tax payers.

Minister of State for Finance S.S Palanimanickam said that the CED has risen admirably to the challenge of creating an efficient, transparent and trade friendly administration.

Finance Secretary R.K Gujral said that the Department has made sustained endeavours to create a judicious, responsive, efficient and effective tax administration in the country.