Project Saksham – Significance, Objectives, Advantages

Introduction: There are two Project Saksham initiatives. First, the Ministry of Finance started to share information about taxes using an exchange system with GSTN. It helps improve the implementation of GST and other taxes. Second, Indian Railways began a project called Saksham to give training to all its staff and make them better at their jobs. This article is useful for those preparing for the UPSC IAS Exam.

Project Saksham launched by Ministry of Finance

• Project Saksham, initiated in 2017 by the Ministry of Finance, aims to enhance information exchange in taxation systems.
• It focuses on strengthening the IT infrastructure to support the newly established GST network.
• Taxpayers’ information will flow from the GSTN Portal to the CBEC system through a link.
• CBEC officers will address the issues and send the corrected data back to GSTN.
• The project also seeks to uplift the image of Indian Railways by improving personnel efficiency and productivity.
• It aims to enhance the skill set of the massive workforce of 13 lakh employees in Indian Railways.
• The project is planned to unfold over nine months as a single drive.

Project Saksham Objectives

• Implement the Customs Single Window Interface to Facilitate Trade (SWIFT) as part of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) initiative.
• SWIFT serves as a one-stop platform for import clearance applications, allowing importers and exporters to submit paperwork online from a centralized location.
• Single Windows are mandated systems facilitating information exchange between commercial operators and government agencies to meet regulatory requirements.
• Emphasize a single data entry point to streamline processes and minimize redundant data entry.
• Introduce taxpayers under the Central Board of Excise and Customs’ Digital India and Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
• Ensure development of CBEC’s IT systems by April 1, 2017, aligning with the GST implementation date.
• Develop robust IT infrastructure to support CBEC’s e-Services in Customs, Central Excise, and Service Tax, including taxpayer services.
• Improve efficiency in scanned document uploads and expand the Indian Customs Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade (SWIFT) project.
• Integrate with government initiatives such as E-Nivesh, E-Taal, and e-Sign to enhance coordination and effectiveness.

Significance of Project Saksham

• It will support Indian Customs in extending the Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade (SWIFT).
• The implementation of GST is straightforward.
• The Digital India Initiative would receive a boost.
• Ease of Doing Business has notably improved, especially at the Central Board of Excise and Customs.

Advantages of Project Saksham

1. Enhanced productivity and efficiency among railway personnel.
2. Improvement in the overall quality of the Indian railway service.
3. Preparation of personnel to meet the increasing demands of passenger services.
4. Sending a group of officers to Japan for training to understand various processes related to bullet trains and other advanced heavy haul technologies.

Project Saksham Launched by Indian Railways

• Indian Railways has launched Project Saksham, a time-bound program aimed at training all staff to enhance productivity.
• The mass skill program addresses recent negative publicity due to personnel inefficiencies, poor delivery service, and train accidents.
• The initiative seeks to improve the company’s image by boosting employee efficiency and productivity.
• The project spans nine months, benefiting the 13 lakh-strong Indian Railways workforce.
• Scheduled from January to September 2018, it aligns with the government’s commitment to expanding railways and enhancing services.
• Project Saksham contributes to providing better and safer journeys by improving employee skills.
• Over nine months, employees from all fields will undergo one-week training sessions related to their job responsibilities.

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