GRIHA rating and Greening initiatives in NACIN, ZTI, Bengaluru:

In 2017, the new campus was inaugurated by the former Finance Minister of India, Shri Arun Jaitley.

The NACIN Campus in Bengaluru spans 3.2 acres and adheres to Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) norms, earning a prestigious 5-star GRIHA rating. It operates within a self-sustaining ecosystem, utilizing solar energy for internal electricity needs and channelling excess power into the state grid. The campus employs a comprehensive water management system, including rainwater harvesting and an in-house Biological Sewerage Treatment Plant to process kitchen and campus sewage. Collected rainwater and treated sewage are utilized for nurturing plants and trees within the campus, aligning with NACIN's green initiatives.

Initially, the campus established a green herbal garden under the guidance of the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT) in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, focusing on medicinal herbs and plants. However, due to deteriorating soil conditions and inadequate manure, the health of these plants declined, necessitating their revival. To enhance greenery on campus, additional indigenous plants with medicinal properties were procured for the central circle area. Additionally, the proposal included planting aromatic and flowering species along the central area perimeter to enhance aesthetics.

To solicit guidance and execute the project involving the introduction of new herbal/medicinal plants, as well as the revitalization of existing unhealthy plants within the garden, M/s. FRLHT was once again engaged. A team from the organization visited the campus, familiarized themselves with the project requirements, and provided recommendations to enhance the quality and visual appeal of the garden. Their assessment revealed poor soil quality necessitating enrichment through the addition of manure and other nutrients. Consequently, guidance was imparted on improving soil quality by supplying the appropriate quantity and quality of manure and red soil. Moreover, certain plant species exhibit specific preferences concerning soil type, moisture, sunlight, and temperature, emphasizing the importance of placing each plant in its optimal environment to foster healthy growth and vitality. Additionally, recommendations were provided for selecting suitable aromatic medicinal plants and herbs, which not only possess healing properties but also contribute to the campus's aesthetics. Subsequently, in 2021, red soil, manure, charcoal, cocopeat, and medicinal plants and shrubs were procured to revive the garden, with all associated work now successfully completed.

Note on ‘Good practices’ followed in the NACIN, ZTI, Bengaluru:

• NACIN, Bengaluru always believes in the practice of experience brings in the best out of each person and in continuation of this, in the past couple of years, engaged the following eminent/motivational speakers like,
  • His Excellency Governor of Karnataka Sh. Thawar Chand Gehlot;
  • Dr. Somnath.S, Chairman, ISRO,
  • Shri. Sharath M Gaikwad, Para Olympian and Arjuna Awardee;
  • Ms. Nirupama Rao, Former Foreign Secretary; were among the elite list of eminent persons who have delivered motivational talk;
• The trainee officers are encouraged to bring the best out their experience through a Coffee Book published titled as ‘BUNADI’;
• Ethnic day for celebrating diverse culture and also organizing various cultural activities;
• Team Building Activities and trips are organized to bring out best of the talent of the trainees;
• Training in Yoga and martial arts are being imparted. The latest being ‘The Warrior Spirit: Integrating Kalaripayattu, the oldest Indian Martial arts into a Healthy Life” by Dr. S Mahesh and his team;
• Public Speaking sessions to instill confidence among the trainees;
• Engaging services of retired officers for sharing their experiences;
• Providing Welcome Kit to Induction trainees and OTs with customized Water bottles, Bags, Sports-ware etc.;
• Engaging hands-on training for Audit and Enforcement modules including mock search and seizure operations;
• Training the State GST officers as innovative module;
• Conducting Passing Out Parades;
• Emphasis on Hands on training.
• The Institute has issued as many as 32 SOPs on various aspects inter- alia relating to infrastructure, canteen, organizing training program, house keeping , solar panels, laundry, Hostel booking, Vehicle facilities, Organic Waste Converter, Security, Dispute Resolution Module on Moot Court, Management of Library, Mock Search & Investigation, Data base of resource persons, Back to School, etc.

NACIN, Bengaluru has also placed its Footprint on International arena on its premises in the form of NACIN Bengaluru is being a recognized :

1. ΄WCO designated Regional Training Center΄ and
2. ΄BRICS accredited Training Center΄

Given here are a brief details of activities undertaken in this regard:

WCO Regional Training Centre’s (RTC) are independent and autonomous entities which enable Customs officials from neighbouring countries to forge links with one another and facilitate the follow-up of WCO programmes in a region. To date, twenty-nine (29) Regional Training Centres (RTCs) have been established: seven in the Asia Pacific Region, four in the East and Southern Africa Region, three in the West and Central Africa Region, seven in the European Region, two in the Americas Region and six in North Africa, Near and Middle East. NACIN Bengaluru is one such WCO designated Regional Training Center (RTC).

BRICS Training Centre - Under BRICS Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, BRICS accredited training centres have been set up in each of the participating countries to further cooperate in areas such as joint enforcement network, capacity building and administrative assistance. NACIN Bengaluru is the only BRICS accredited Training Center in India.

International Trainings Conducted:

NACIN Bengaluru organized a training programme for Nepal Customs Officers on “Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism’’ from 21st to 26th October, 2019. The training was sponsored & funded by the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India.

NACIN Bengaluru organized a “WCO Sub-Regional Workshop for Risk Management Trainers” from 4th – 8th of November 2019. In the workshop, 15 participants from various countries (4 from India, 3 each from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives & 2 from Nepal) participated. The faculty for the workshop has been nominated by WCO from Turkey & Netherlands.

NACIN Bengaluru organized an online training programme on “Low Technology Threat to Public Transportation” in collaboration with US Department of State under its Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program from 19th to 24th April 2021.

NACIN Bengaluru organized a “Virtual Workshop on Customs Administration for BRICS Nations” from 22nd to 26th November 2021. This was held as a part of the 13th BRICS Summit under the Chairship of India. Customs experts from Federal Revenue of Brazil, Federal Customs Service of Russian Federation, General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, South African Revenue Service and the Central Board of Customs and Indirect Taxes, India took part in the said Workshop.

In 2022, three International Courses were conducted viz.

• “International Air Cargo Interdiction” in collaboration with U.S. Customs Border Protection; 13th to 17th June 2022
• “International Air Airport Interdiction” in collaboration with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations; 27th June to 1st Aug 2022, and
• “Drug Law Enforcement” in collaboration with UNODC; 13th to 17th June 2022

In March 2023, 2 WCO workshops (CITES & RM) were conducted under WCO INAMA Project wherein WCO Accredited Trainers from Sri Lanka & Malaysia trained the frontline Customs Officers on the subject of Cross Border Illicit Wildlife Trade.

In October 2023, Training-cum-Study Tour was conducted for Maldives Customs Officers under the UNEP Program of MEA, Govt. of India, on the subject “Creating & Managing of Canine Centre”. It incorporated a 2- day Classroom Training, one-day Study Tour to Mysore, followed by 2-days hands on training at Customs Canine Center, Attari, Amritsar Customs Preventive Commissionerate.

In November 2023, the Handing over Ceremony was conducted for the Virtual Reality Training Kiosk, which was supplied to NACIN Bengaluru, being a WCO RTC, by WCO Capacity Building Commissionerate in co-ordination with the Korean Customs Service under the WCO Virtual Reality Assisted Training Program. WCO CBD Director Dr. Taeil Kang visited NACIN Bengaluru Campus for the said ceremony. The Handing over Ceremony was preceded by the Installation & Training on the VRT Kiosk by a team from M/s HO Entertainment, Korea.

Brief about BRICS Training Centre:

Year 2018:
During the 3rd Customs Cooperation Committee meeting, it was proposed that NACIN, Bengaluru, along with Xiamen (China), would serve as a BRICS Training Center. Communication confirming this proposal was received by NACIN, Bengaluru, on June 19, 2019.

Year 2019:
On December 17, 2019, the Office of the Principal DG, NACIN, Faridabad, requested ADG, NACIN, Bengaluru, to identify areas suitable for training BRICS members.

In response, NACIN, Bengaluru, identified the areas suitable training and communicated them to ADG, NACIN, Faridabad, on December 26, 2019.

Year 2020:
On December 22, 2020, the International Customs Division (ICD) proposed tentative dates in the first week of October 2021 for the BRICS training. They also suggested the creation of a dedicated library for BRICS training.

Year 2021:
On March 8, 2021, ICD requested NACIN, Bengaluru, to nominate officers to attend the BRICS Customs expert level meeting scheduled for March 16, 2021. Additionally, they were asked to present on the proposed BRICS Customs Workshop.

Two officers, Dr. Ezhilmathi K (Additional Director) and Sh. Bibhash Sharan (Assistant Director) from NACIN, Bengaluru, were nominated for the meeting and made the presentation.

Moving forward, NACIN, Bengaluru, assumed the pivotal role of chairing the 13th BRICS Capacity Building Workshop, conducted virtually from November 22 to November 26, 2021. This workshop marked a significant milestone in facilitating collaboration and capacity enhancement among BRICS nations. As the chair, NACIN, Bengaluru, undertook the responsibility of orchestrating the workshop's proceedings in the virtual domain. This encompassed coordinating the agenda, moderating discussions, and ensuring seamless communication among participants from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Year 2022:
On November 30, 2022, and December 1, 2022, China, in its capacity as the current Chair of the 14th BRICS Summit, hosted a two-day BRICS workshop on "Customs Strategy & Capacity Building." The workshop was conducted via a virtual platform, providing an opportunity for member nations to collaborate and enhance their customs strategies and capacities. Shri Sujithkumar P. Sompur, Additional Director, NACIN Bengaluru was one of the key participants of the workshop.

Year 2024:
During January 22 to January 24, 2024, BRICS South Africa, in its capacity as the Chair of the 15th BRICS Summit, organized a pivotal two-day BRICS Workshop. As the appointed Chair, South Africa assumed the responsibility of facilitating discussions and initiatives aimed at advancing cooperation and collaboration among BRICS member nations.

The workshop, convened under the theme of enhancing cooperation in various domains, served as a platform for fostering dialogue, sharing expertise, and exploring avenues for joint initiatives. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants exchanged insights and best practices, addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the BRICS nations.

NACIN BENGALURU AS A PROJECT-IN-CHARGE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NACIN, PALASAMUDRAM

NACIN, Bengaluru ZTI is also credited with the assignment of being the Project-in-Charge for construction of NACIN, Palasamudram Campus. The foundation stone for the project was laid by the Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman on 05.03.2022. The Project Director, CPWD Hindupur Division finalized the Tender for Construction work and thereafter on 09.06.2022 the Construction work for the project was commenced. The 1st Phase of the Project was completed in a record time and it was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi on 16.01.2024.