KNB News Desk
Srinagar 6 May (KNB): India received 3000 oxygen concentrators as international relief aid and it was clarified on Thursday by the Indian Customs that they have swiftly cleared all consignments and there is no such pendency with Indian Customs
Earlier, several media agencies reported pendency of consignments with Indian Customs in their warehouses which was rebutted by the Health Ministry in a statement, “the news is totally incorrect, not based on facts and without any basis. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has clarified that there is no such pendency with Indian Customs. The Indian Customs is swiftly clearing all consignments and no such figure of pendency exists across any port of import,”
Various countries contributed in the global aid and 3000 oxygen concentrators have been received to support the country’s efforts to fight against the deadly second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mauritius has sent 200 oxygen concentrators, Russia (20), UK has sent in four consignments (95+120+280+174), 80 from Romania, 700 from Ireland, Thailand (30), China (1000) and Uzbekistan (151).
In addition, Taiwan has sent 150. The oxygen concentrators are either delivered to the identified tertiary care institutions, or been dispatched for delivery. The relief material has been dispatched through road and air too.
As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are no oxygen contractors lying in the warehouse of the Customs Department.
The ministry in the statement said that the Indian Customs is working 24X7 and the Relief Goods are given high priority for clearance over other goods.
“The Indian Customs is sensitive to the need for availability of Covid related imports including Oxygen & Oxygen related equipment etc,” officials said.
Recently the matter regarding a consignment of 3,000 Oxygen Concentrators lying with Customs Authorities came up in the Delhi High Court and the same was clarified by the Government Counsel that presently no such consignment is pending with Custom Authorities.
The Ministry of finance also clarified the matter through an official release on 3rd May in response to flooding of social media with the news that 3,000 Oxygen Concentrators are lying with Customs.
Officials stated, “We have again checked with our field formations and there is no such consignment lying with the Customs. However, since a photograph has also been put on twitter, if anybody has information as to where it is lying, the same may be informed to us and we will take immediate action.” (KNB)