Revenue officers seek autonomy for CBDT
Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers have conveyed their concerns to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over ‘interference’ by the Department of Revenue (DoR) and asked him to ensure the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) administer tax policies of the government.
“The FM may kindly ensure that the CBDT, whose powers and functions emanate from Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963 and Income Tax Act, 1961, be allowed to administer Direct Tax policies of the government, strictly according to the said Acts," said a press release issued by the delegation of IRS Association on Sunday.
The association also raised the issue of disparity in impanelment and asked the FM to ensure parity of IRS with IAS.
“Impanelment at joint secretary level and above should be expedited and there should be parity with IAS," the release said.
The case pertains to the action taken by DoR against a Mumbai assessment officer for allegedly using unfair means to meet revenue collection target.
The IRS Association had passed a resolution against the revenue department for interfering in taxmen’s dayto-day operations. In a letter dated July 22 to the finance ministry, the IRS Association had said, “Unfair and whimsical actions by DoR are affecting the morale of the service, especially in matters of targeted transfers and posting as a tool of punishment and harassment at various levels.”
Sunday’s statement comes two days after the finance ministry had warned of disciplinary action to some tax officials for going against the directives issued by the revenue department.
After the finance minister’s strongly-worded statement, the revenue officers are said to have met Jaitley on Saturday.
“The delegation conveyed the deep sense of ‘deprivation and injustice’ among IRS officers leading to severe discontent and demoralisation,” said release.
The IRS Association also highlighted the operational difficulties of IRS officers including the role and authority of CBDT.
“CBDT is a statutory body like the Railway Board and it should be given its importance,” said Jayant Mishra, general secretary of the Association, who is also a senior IRS officer.