Dutt Majumder becomes Regular Chairman of CBEC – Will he get an Extension?
Legal Corner Icon — the image was hosted by the publisher and was not captured.THE appointment of a Chairman for CBEC (and CBDT) was mired in confusion in recent times. TIOL Netizens are aware of the controversy over the one-year tenure and seniority issues on the appointment of Chairmen of the Boards.
After the retirement of the former CBEC Chairman V Sridhar in November 2010, S. Dutt Majumder, the senior-most Member in CBEC was given additional charge of the post of Chairman, for three months. Just when the three months period expired on 28 February 2011, the Government extended his additional charge until his retirement on 31 October 2011. Now they have appointed him as the regular Chairman when he has exactly a month and a half to go before superannuation.
That has set the rumour mills going. Why should an incharge chairman be appointed a regular chairman just 45 days before his retirement? There is absolutely no difference in pay, perquisites or status. He has already been selected for the post of Ombudsman. Will he go as ombudsman or continue as Chairman?
The ball for Budget 2012 preparations would start rolling about the time of his retirement. He is closely associated with GST, rather the face of GST for MoF after Finance Minister himself. In such a situation, can the FM afford to have a new person as Chairman? Therefore, an extension for a few months for the incumbent Chairman is a huge possibility, if we go by the FM's powers to grant six-month extension.
DOR F.No A.12026/11/2010-Ad.I Office Order No. , Dated : September 14, 2011