Taxing times

During his interaction with tax officials as part of a two-day brainstorming session (Rajasva Gyan Sangam), Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha advised they should focus their energies on simplifying the tax regime instead of speculating over "transfers".

"It is that time of the year when transfers take place, but it is important not to put your energies into transfers but on simplification of the tax regime and in reaching out to the public," he said in the closed-door meeting.

He added it was easier for people to meet ministers than tax officers. "People meet me and tell me that it is easier to meet me than tax officers. So you should reach out to the public and address their concerns," Sinha urged.