Our Decisions Impact the Nation’s Economy: New CBDT Chief to I-T Officials

Newly appointed CBDT chairman Ravi Agrawal has called on Income Tax Department officials to recognize the profound impact their decisions have on the nation’s economy, ease of doing business, and international transactions. Agrawal emphasized the importance of creating a 100-day action plan to guide their initiatives.

A Call to Action

Ravi Agrawal, who assumed his role as head of the administrative body of the direct taxes department within the Union finance ministry, stressed the importance of each department drawing up a 100-day plan of action. “I expect various wings of the department to draw their suitable 100-day action plans and take initiatives in a time-bound manner,” Agrawal said.

These plans, Agrawal noted, should be tailored and implemented at every level—ranging from individual units to regional offices. He underscored that the collective achievements of the Income Tax Department are the sum of efforts made at each level.

Building a Professional and Responsive Department

In a two-page letter addressed to the officers and staff, Agrawal highlighted the need for the department to be professional, sensitive to taxpayer needs, technologically adept, and transparent in its approach. “Let us be conscious that the decisions we take have implications on the nation’s economy and ease of doing business, including international transactions and businesses,” he wrote.

He urged the department officials to draw short, medium, and long-term plans for their respective areas, emphasizing the importance of discussing these plans within teams to ensure a cohesive strategy.

Adapting to Evolving Financial Landscapes

Agrawal pointed out that the complexities of financial transactions are increasing daily, with new business practices and evolving financial transactions. “We address a wide spectrum of taxpayers, from new individual taxpayers to organizations with global operations,” he said, stressing the need for officials to stay updated on the latest business and financial trends.

Engaging with Stakeholders and Leveraging Technology

The CBDT chief encouraged officials to engage with stakeholders to gain insights into the financial ecosystem and build confidence in the department’s processes. “We must integrate more technology into our procedures to ensure that our processes are efficient, fair, and transparent, thereby fostering trust and confidence among taxpayers,” Agrawal stated.

He acknowledged the milestones achieved through technology-driven processes but noted that many areas still require attention. Agrawal affirmed the commitment of the CBDT and the tax department to implement efficient processes to address the issues of over eight crore Income Tax Return (ITR) filers and approximately 34 lakh deductors.

Commitment to Excellence and Integrity

Agrawal concluded his message by emphasizing the collective effort required to achieve excellence and significantly impact the nation’s economic development. “As we embark on this journey together, let us remain committed to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service,” he wrote.

He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being, recognizing the demanding nature of their duties.