PM to hold interactive session with taxmen at 'Gyan Sangam'

Event to deliberate effective implementation of fiscal laws and govt policies and measures to curb black money

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an interactive session with the top brass of the two revenue collection arms of the government -- CBDT and CBEC -- during a first-of-its-kind 'Rajasva Gyan Sangam' to be held here on June 16.

Officials said both the Boards have been asked to direct their officials to prepare suggestions on "important policy-level and innovative ideas of far reaching impact relating to the legislative and administrative framework of taxation in India" that they can be put forth to the Prime Minister during the conclave at Vigyan Bhavan here.

They said similar ideas will also be put forth to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who will be holding a session with them during the two-day conference.

"It has been directed by the Prime Minister's Office that the PM will like to keep it an interactive session rather than just a monotonous inauguration and speech affair.

"Both Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) have been asked to prepare a bank of good ideas and out-of-the-box solutions after talking to their officers who will participate in the June 16-17 Gyan Sangam," a senior Finance Ministry official said.

The meet will be attended by about 250 officials and the top brass of the Income Tax department and Customs and Central Excise.

The conclave will deliberate on a host of issues related to taxpayer services and effective implementation of fiscal laws and government policies, including measures to curb black money generation and circulation.

Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha will deliver the valedictory address on the second and last day.

This is the first time that this annual conference of the two large departments is being held together.

Till now, the two Boards used to hold such a conference separately with the chief guest being the Finance Minister.

While CBDT is responsible for collecting direct taxes, CBEC does the same vis-a-vis indirect taxes.

As per the blueprint of the 'Gyan Sangam', the details of the deliberations and recommendations will be sent to the FM's office and the PMO.

The sessions will be divided into two broad subjects relating to the government's plan of financial inclusion and ensuring a transparent tax regime for businesses and foreign investors, besides issues and challenges being faced by the departments like Income Tax, Customs, Central Excise and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

Modi, at his recent review meetings with CBDT and CBEC officials had reiterated the need for reducing taxpayers' grievances and ensuring a quick resolution of their problems.

The Prime Minister is also likely to outline the government's goals vis-a-vis some flagship programmes like 'Make in India' and 'Start-up India' at the conference as tax officials are the most important stakeholders to ensure success of these schemes.