Finance Minister says IT department should not harass common:Don’t intimidate with your power; work for the welfare of the people, adds Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has given strict instructions to the Income Tax Department to work for the welfare of the common people. She told the officers not to make common people run from one office to another for their work. Sitharaman arrived on Sunday, July 26, to inaugurate the 13-storey ‘Aaykar Sindhu’ building in the Nariman Point Business District of Mumbai. She made these remarks during this occasion. Gave example of clearance for 13-storey building The Finance Minister, while sharing her experience during the inauguration ceremony, said that Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers themselves had to work very hard for the construction and clearances of this 13-storey building built over 1.13 lakh square feet. Sitharaman reminded the officers that the name of the Income Tax Department is attached after the name of an IRS officer, which works like a powerful force to intimidate people. He said that when officers themselves had to wander from door to door to obtain permissions despite having such a powerful body, they should understand what kind of difficulties a common citizen must face. The Finance Minister said, can this experience inspire you to understand the situation of that common citizen who comes to you? Where your authority is needed, don’t make them wander from door to door; work for them. Expressed displeasure over illegal encroachments on government lands The Finance Minister publicly expressed deep disappointment over the lax attitude of government departments. She said that it is because of the laxity of departments that illegal occupations and encroachments occur on government lands. Sitharaman revealed that the land at Nariman Point where the ‘Income Tax Sindhu’ building has been constructed, that land had been with the Income Tax Department since 1973. Despite this, over these years, illegal encroachments occurred on that land. He said that it was someone’s responsibility to take care of our property, but when encroachment happens, we just say that we have the land but we are unable to build on it. This shows how much laxity there is in our system. Issue of Officers’ Accommodation and Long Distance in Mumbai The Finance Minister also expressed concern about the problem of officers not living in government accommodation in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai areas and having to travel long distances to reach office. She indicated that about half the officers do not get the facility of government accommodation. Sitharaman promised that she would look into this issue and would prioritize government-to-government land transfer for this. She assured that she would simplify the process of instant transfer of lands. Instructions Given Regarding CPWD and BSNL Land The Central Minister clarified that after assistance with land transfer, construction-related work must be completed by officials themselves in a timely manner. This includes dealing with CPWD (Central Public Works Department), obtaining permissions, building construction, and allocating contracts and tenders. He said that all these tasks should be completed as soon as possible so that in the latter half of the 21st century, one doesn’t have to work in scattered office spaces and expensive rented accommodations. Sitharaman specifically mentioned the government telecom company BSNL and asked officials to try to acquire BSNL’s lands. For this, she herself would speak with the concerned Central Minister. Advised Officers to Maintain ‘Integrity’ The Finance Minister said that she is not asking officials to break rules or do something out-of-the-way for common citizens. However, she expressed regret that in this country, people have to work very hard even to obtain their legitimate rights and claims. Underlining the importance of honesty in important work like tax collection for the country, Sitharaman said that integrity, that is, dedication and honesty, is the only principle that I will advise each one of you.