Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said that the restored Old Lighthouse in Puducherry stands as a powerful symbol of the values that public institutions must uphold-duty, vigilance, service and steadiness. Speaking after inaugurating the restored heritage structure on Puducherry’s promenade, the Minister drew parallels between the historic role of lighthouses in guiding ships and the role of modern economic institutions in facilitating trade and economic growth.

 

She noted that the Customs Department has traditionally been entrusted with protecting the country’s economic borders, facilitating legitimate trade, preventing smuggling and supporting the orderly growth of commerce. In today’s rapidly evolving economy, she said, this responsibility has become even more significant.

 

The Minister pointed out that India’s ports, airports, logistics networks and digital systems are expanding at an unprecedented pace, making trade faster, more complex and increasingly technology-driven. In such a scenario, institutions such as the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) have the critical responsibility of ensuring clarity, predictability, vigilance and trust in the trading ecosystem. Drawing an analogy with the lighthouse, Sitharaman said that just as lighthouses once guided ships through the uncertainties of the sea, economic institutions today guide trade through the complexities of a modern economy. She stressed that these institutions must remain steady, fair, alert and service-oriented in fulfilling their mandate. Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy,  Member of Parliament Selvaganabathy, Member of Legislative Assembly Vignesh Kannan, senior officials of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the Puducherry Administration were also present on the occasion.