Note on Media Lab:

In the rapidly evolving landscape of professional education, National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN), ZTI, Chennai has taken a significant leap forward by establishing a dedicated media lab. This innovative initiative focuses on creating engaging video content on complex subjects such as Goods and Services Tax (GST), Customs regulations, and Administrative matters. The primary goal of this endeavour is to simplify intricate concepts and present them in an easily digestible format for learners across various levels of expertise. The videos are made in English as well as vernacular language, Tamil to make it easy to understand and accessible to wider audience.

NACIN Chennai’s Media Lab, uses YouTube as a platform for displaying and distributing the educational content and to make it accessible to all. It has already made notable strides in its relatively short existence. As of the data available on 30.09.2024, the Metrics related to the NACIN Chennai’s YouTube channel are detailed below:

• Subscriber Base: The channel has amassed 1,290 subscribers (1.29K), indicating a growing audience interested in the specialized content offered.
• Video Library: A total of 41 videos have been uploaded, covering a range of topics within the focus areas of GST, Customs, and Administrative matters.
• Total Views: The channel has garnered 20,157 views (20.1K), suggesting that the content is reaching and engaging its target audience.
• Watch Time: Perhaps the most impressive statistic is the accumulated watch time of 816 hours. This figure is particularly significant as it demonstrates not just views, but sustained engagement with the content.

Content Strategy and Impact:

• Simplification of Complex Topics: The media lab's primary strength lies in its ability to break down complex regulatory and administrative concepts into easily understandable language. This approach is crucial in fields like GST and Customs, where regulations can be intricate and often intimidating to newcomers or even experienced professionals seeking clarity on specific issues.
• Visual Learning: By leveraging the power of video content, the academy taps into the growing preference for visual learning. This method can be particularly effective for explaining procedural aspects of GST filing, customs clearance processes, or administrative workflows, where step-by-step visual guides can significantly enhance understanding.
• Accessibility and Flexibility: The YouTube platform allows learners to access content at their convenience, supporting self-paced learning. This flexibility is invaluable for working professionals who may not have the time to attend traditional classes or seminars.
• Continuous Learning Resource: With 41 videos already available, the channel is building a comprehensive library of resources. This growing repository serves not only as a learning tool but also as a quick reference guide for professionals needing to refresh their knowledge on specific topics.
• Engagement Metrics: The impressive watch time of 816 hours indicates that viewers find the content valuable enough to invest significant time in watching it. This level of engagement suggests that the videos are meeting a real need in the market for clear, concise explanations of complex topics.

Note on Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):

In adherence to the 'Mission Karmayogi' and to the guidelines of National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutions (NSCSTI), wherein under Pillar -6 (Collaboration), National Institutes are encouraged to collaborate with other organizations for enhancing the capacity building process in the ecosystem, NACIN, Chennai has signed MoU with the following organisations:

The objective of the said Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) is to foster collaboration and enhance mutual capabilities in areas of training, research, and capacity building. The MoUs aim to create a synergistic partnership that leverages the strengths of both NACIN and the other organisations to contribute to the betterment of Taxation law, compliance and financial accounting areas for mutual benefits of its officers and members respectively.

Note on SIKSHA - A Paradigm shift:

National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics Chennai Zonal Campus proudly launched a new initiative Siksha - Systemic Improvement in Knowledge Sharing. Conceptualized, structured and outlined by our eminent Additional Director General Dr. M.G Thamizh Valavan in the form of a very ‘easy to follow’ manual, SIKSHA has changed the static classroom sessions to immersive, dynamic, vibrant, interactive & brain storming interactions between creative faculty & enthusiastic trainees. The SIKSHA initiative is guided by a core philosophy centred on empowering Officers of Customs and GST through meticulously developed Transformational Training Techniques or (T3). This philosophy emphasizes Learner-centricity, Skill development, Innovation and creativity Collaboration. By adopting transformational training techniques (T3) for next generation excellence, Siksha adheres to the National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutes NSCSTI that ensure consistency and quality training through a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Siksha resonates with the objectives of Mission Karma Yogi. SIKSHA Objectives: Enhance competency, Bridge skill gaps, Promote innovation, Foster critical thinking, Elevate leadership qualities. SIKSHA Outcomes: Enhanced job performance, Improved decision-making, Increased innovation, Heightened morale and motivation, Improved public service delivery.

Siksha envisages pre reads, case studies, group activities or exercises, engagement through quizzes, panel discussion, gamification, instructional videos, thematic lectures by eminent people, immersive learning through AR and VR, and above all well designed learning management system to automate training process. Gen Z never had it so good as far as training goes. Each SIKSHA session is structured scientifically with Intro, Icebreaker, Content presentation, Interactive activities, Q&A, wrap up & recap, feedback & closing including deconstruction of tax concepts into easy, medium and high stages. Not only GenZ, boomers also will immensely benefit from these techniques. The inhouse faculty rose to the occasion adapting SISKHA techniques by stretching their creative limits. Visiting faculty are also adopting the techniques. Shiksha also involves measurement of the training effectiveness through pre and post training assessments for holistic development. In today's dynamic world, Shiksha remains responsive to the changing needs of learners through continuous improvement. Building upon the foundation laid by NSCSTI, Siksha offers ultimate benefits to learners by enhanced learning outcomes and knowledge retention, improve decision making, critical thinking, problem solving and collaborative skills. Increased motivation and engagement among trainees, deeper understanding of complex topics and prepare for contemporary challenges in Customs and GST. The success of SIKSHA is measured by the positive feedback received after each SIKSHA enabled session as well as during the Valedictions at the end of each induction.