DGTS, Mumbai Zonal Unit and University of Mumbai's Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, jointly organize outreach programme on “Empowered Youth, Responsible Citizens: Tax Literacy, Mental Health Awareness and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan”

Ministry of Finance DGTS, Mumbai Zonal Unit and University of Mumbai's Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, jointly organize outreach programme on “Empowered Youth,

Responsible Citizens: Tax Literacy, Mental Health Awareness and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan”

Posted On: 10 OCT 2026 3:03PM by PIB Mumbai : Mumbai, October 10, 2026 The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), a wing under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, in association with the University of Mumbai-Garware Institute of Career Education and Development (UM- GICED), organised a Hybrid Outreach Programme (Seminar-cum-Webinar) on “Empowered Youth,

Responsible Citizens: Tax Literacy, Mental Health Awareness and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan”, at GICED, University of Mumbai, at Kalina Campus today. The programme brought together three important dimensions of responsible citizenship, namely, tax literacy, mental health awareness and the Government of India’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan—with the objective of promoting informed decision-making and responsible conduct among young citizens.

Dr. Keyurkumar M. Nayak, Director, Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, University of Mumbai, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of holistic student development, tax literacy, mental well-being and social responsibility. He emphasised the role of collaboration between educational institutions and government organisations in extending awareness initiatives beyond conventional academic learning and fostering informed, responsible citizenship among students.

Shri Sumit Kumar, Principal Additional Director General, DGTS, Mumbai Zonal Unit, in his keynote address, highlighted the importance of the three key themes of the programme - tax literacy, mental health awareness and the Government of India’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan which aims to promote responsible citizenship among young people. He emphasised the need to create awareness about mental well-being, stress managementand the importance of seeking professional support whenever required. He also highlighted the role of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in raising awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoting a healthy, drug-free society. Addressing the theme of tax literacy, he explained the interlinkages between Customs and GST, particularly in the context of international trade, tax compliance, input tax credit, export procedures and refund mechanisms. He further stressed the importance of voluntary compliance, taxpayer awareness and trade facilitation. He expressed his gratitude to the University of Mumbai and the Garware Institute of Career Education and Development (UM-GICED) for their collaboration and support in organising the programme, and encouraged students to make informed choices, understand their responsibilities and contribute towards a healthier and more responsible society.

The first session on Mental Health Awareness and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was delivered by Ms. Chaula Patel, Psychologist and Psychotherapist, who highlighted the importance of mental well-being and its close link with substance abuse. She explained how stress, anxiety, depression and emotional distress can contribute to substance use, emphasising the importance of early identification, timely counselling and professional support. She also discussed early warning signs of mental health concerns, effective stress management strategies, the role of families in providing supportive care, and the need to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. The session underscored the importance of promoting psychological resilience, seeking timely help and fostering a supportive, drug-free environment for youth.

The second session on Tax Literacy, focusing on “Linkages between Customs and GST”, was delivered by Shri Deepak Mata, Deputy Commissioner, CC Office, CGST, Mumbai. He highlighted the importance of understanding both laws for Customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics professionals, particularly those preparing for the Customs Broker’s examination. He explained the interlinkages between Customs procedures and GST provisions, including assessment and clearance of goods, collection of IGST on imports, input tax credit and export refund mechanisms. He emphasised how errors in GSTIN, declared values and discrepancies between shipping bills and GST returns could affect tax compliance and delay refunds. He also highlighted the importance of keeping abreast of developments in Customs and GST to facilitate smooth cargo clearance, promote voluntary compliance and enhance ease of doing business. Through practical examples and case studies, he encouraged participants to strengthen their understanding of taxation and its practical implications.

The hybrid Outreach Programme witnessed participation from students, faculty members, officers and other stakeholders, fostering awareness of taxation, mental well-being and substance abuse prevention. The initiative reaffirmed DGTS, MZU’s commitment to taxpayer awareness, voluntary compliance and responsible citizenship. On the occasion, Shri Sumit Kumar, Principal ADG, DGTS, Mumbai Zonal Unit, released the book “Duty in

Suspension: Bonded Warehousing in India – Concept and Practice”, authored by Shri Prakash Khatri, Program Coordinator, GICED, University of Mumbai, offering practical insights into customs bonded warehousing, MOOWR and FTWZs.The programme reflects the continued commitment of the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services, Mumbai Zonal Unit (DGTS, MZU), towards strengthening taxpayer outreach through collaborative awareness initiatives and stakeholder engagement. With the successful organisation of this outreach programme, DGTS, MZU has conducted and participated in a total of 61 outreach programmes from April 2026 till date, comprising 34 Seminars/Webinars/Hybrid events and 27 Interactive Sessions. These initiatives have played a significant role in enhancing awareness of tax laws and procedures, promoting voluntary compliance, and fostering a well-informed taxpayer community.

DGTS, MZU, which functions with the mandate of strengthening taxpayer services, taxpayer education and awareness, stakeholder engagement, feedback and grievance redressal, actively engages with stakeholders through multiple communication channels.

Members of the public may share queries, suggestions, or grievances relating to indirect

taxes and customs procedures through the following platforms:

Twitter (X): @dgtpsmumbaicbic

Email: mzu-dgts[at]gov[dot]in

YouTube: @dgtsmumbaizonalunit2363

Contact Number: 022-20832086 All communications received through these channels are handled with due confidentiality and addressed in a prompt, fair, and transparent manner.***

Source: DGTS, MZU/SC/PK

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