Govt. launches ATITHI app for improved customs clearance

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman launched ‘ATITHI’ app, an IT initiative to facilitate electronic filing of customs baggage and currency declarations by arriving international passengers.

About ATITHI app

ATITHI app is an easy to use mobile application for international travelers to file Customs declaration in advance. Passengers can use this app to file declaration of dutiable items as well as currency with Indian Customs even before boarding the flight to India.

The ATITHI app has been introduced by CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs). It is available on both, iOS and Android.

Benefits: ATITHI app will facilitate hassle free and faster clearance by Customs at the airports and will enhance the experience of international tourists and other visitors at Indian airports. The app would also create a tech savvy image of India Customs and would encourage tourism and business travel to India

Way Forward: CBIC must strive to develop IT-based insights for focused policy making. It should also use technology in each sphere of its activity and while facilitating genuine business it must identify ways to detect and stop frauds especially in GST.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2019