Structure:
++ Preventive / Anti-evasion to be centralised at the Commissionerate Head Quarters level and done away with at the Division level. Headquarters preventive unit can have branches in case of Commissionerates with far-flung jurisdictions.
++ Audit function to be continued at the Commissionerates' Headquarters.
++ Quality of manpower at the level of ranges should be improved and the ranges should be strengthened in terms of infrastructure, logistics and public delivery system.
++ Single point of contact for the entrepreneur, and greater accountability.
Anything new? And what do recommendations like improve the quality in Range mean? Actually there was a prolonged discussion on the question of abolishing the Ranges.
Structure
++ Eliminate overlap of functions, and improve efficiency ( means?)
++ Entrepreneurs to be spared of multiple visits by authorities
++ Create a mechanism for holding periodic Open House meetings at the Commissionerates level at suitable and accessible locations to all Stakeholders. Only Commissioners and Additional/Joint Commissioners should attend from the Department side. This will act as a feedback mechanism at the cutting-edge level. (nobody bothers to attend such meetings)
++ Divisions will continue and will only deal with administrative and statutory functions (what else are they doing now?)
Role of Range:
++ Range will assist and counsel the assessee, and encourage voluntary tax compliance. A Helpline Center at a suitable location accessible to all stakeholders is recommended. (is there any range that discourages voluntary compliance? Help centres are already announced by Board and some have started functioning)
++ Range, with the associations’ involvement, will conduct mandatory orientation programs for SSIs approaching threshold levels of Rs 1 crore