Give importance, respect to CBDT: IRS officers body to FM

IRS association asked finance minister to ensure autonomy for CBDT and parity with joint secretary level

A delegation of Indian Revenue Service ( IRS) has put forward its concerns to finance minister Arun Jaitley over interference by department of revenue (DoR) and asked for Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to administer direct 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 as per the said acts," said a press release issued by the delegation on Sunday.

IRS association also raised the issue of disparity in enpanelment, asked FM to ensure the parity with IAS. "Empanelment at joint secretary level and above should be expedited and there should be parity with IAS," the release said.

The case pertains to action taken by department of revenue (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 day-to-day. In a letter dated July 22 to the finance ministry, the IRS Association said, “Unfair and whimsical actions by DoR affecting the morale of the service, especially in matters of targeted transfers and posting as a tool of punishment and harassment at various levels."

Today's statement comes two days after the Finance Ministry had warned of disciplinary action to some tax officials for going against directives issued by the revenue department.

After the finance minister strongly worded statement, the revenue officers said to have met Jaitley on July 30. "The delegation conveyed the deep sense of "deprivation and injustice" amongst IRS officers leading to severe discontent and demoralisation," said the release.

IRS Association also highlighted the operational difficulties of the IRS officers including role and authority of CBDT.

"CBDT is a statutory body like Railway Board and it should be given its importance,"  said General Secretary of the association Jayant Mishra, who is also a senior IRS officer.

In view of the positive response and understanding shown by the finance minister, the association recommends that Mumbai Unit to suspend the ongoing agitation, added Mishra.