15 Crore Rupees for Income Tax Appellate Commissioners' offices - E-Appeals soon
WITH the approval of Chairman, CBDT, a proposal for up-gradation of offices of CITs(Appeals) has been included in the proposals under the 1% incentive scheme and an amount of Rs.15 crore has been earmarked for it. A Committee, comprising CsIT(Appeals) of different zones,constituted in this matter recommended installation of an E-Appeals system as a mandatory requirement and other office infrastructure as optional requirements. The Committee also recommended disbursement of a sum of Rs. 5 lakh to each CIT(Appeals) for the purpose.
But the Systems Directorate did not recommend an immediate roll out of the software throughout the country. It, however, opined that the E-Appeals software is a near perfect application on standalone basis. The reports created by the software are instantaneous and accurate and the reminders are also issued promptly to assessees (for hearings) and the AOs (for remand reports).
So, it was suggested that some CsIT(Appeals) could use the application in their offices for better control and disposal of their cases. Training, however, was indicated as an important component for using the software.
As recommended by the Systems Directorate, it is proposed to initiate the use or E-Appeals system, in selected CsIT(Appeals) offices in the country. Since this would require some initial training of the staff as well as the CsIT(Appeals) themselves, it has been decided to select the offices of CsIT(Appeals) for introduction of E-Appeals system on voluntary basis.
So, the Directorate of Income Tax, (Public Relations, Printing, Publications & Official Language) wants Chief Commissioners to convey the willingness of CsIT(Appeals) for introduction of the E-Appeals system in their offices, by 31st July.
When will CBEC think of something like this?