FM appeal to share info for checking tax evasion

Asks DRI to focus on better trade facilitation, use latest technology both for intelligence gathering and information analysis

Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday asked various government authorities to share information and use technology to check tax evasion and achieve better results.

He said there was a lot of information available to share but most of the intelligence agencies remained in silos. He asked the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to focus on better trade facilitation and use latest technology both for intelligence gathering and information analysis.

“I know that a mass of information resides in the Financial Intelligence Unit, a mass of information lies in the PAN data base, a mass of information lies in the registration that we require for excise and service tax for exporters and importers. A mass of information lies with depositories in the capital market. If this information is not shared on a need-to-know basis, I am afraid much of the effort would be wasted,” Chidambaram said at the 56th Founding Day of DRI.

He  said there was a need to change the method of recruiting officers and staff, their training and deployment for optimal results.

The intelligence wing of the Central Board of Excise and Customs had 532 officers and staff, he said, adding, the staff strength of DRI would double when cadre review was completely rolled out. Recently, the Cabinet cleared the cadre review, making way for the recruitment for another 18,067 posts over a period of time.