Delhi customs utilises virtual reality to combat airport smuggling

With the help of virtual reality games and videos, Delhi Customs is creating awareness among the public to deter smuggling at airports at their “GST & Customs Pavilion” at the 42nd India International Trade Fair with the theme of “CBIC—Uniting Markets, Bridging Borders”.
The pavilion was inaugurated by Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, CBIC, in the presence of V. Rama Mathew, Member (IT & Taxpayer Services), CBIC, Renu K. Jagdev, D.G, Taxpayer Services, and other senior officers.
The pavilion has six dedicated help desks on GST, Customs, GSTN, ICEGATE, and CBIC Mitra to help guide taxpayers and the public regarding rules and procedures and to address their issues on the spot.
In the pavilion, a virtual reality game and videos of various ways smugglers used to smuggle items have been put on display.
A senior official said that the entire pavilion has been digitalised. They are educating people, especially youngsters, who could inform Customs about any suspicious activity inside the plane.
“With the help of technology and games, we are creating awareness among people to deter smugglers. We are getting good responses from people,” the official said.
Tashu, a visitor, said, “It was a great experience as she visited the pavilion and interacted with officers who helped them solve her queries on GST as she was setting up her business. It was an enriching experience.”
Besides showcasing the achievements and special initiatives of the GST and Customs Department in the field of tax administration and taxpayers’ facilitation and process automation on various digital screens, there is a special counter for the display of souvenirs of Dharohar (National Museum of Customs & GST, Goa).