Facilities for ITAT DRs
The CBDT chairman R. Prasad yesterday inaugurated a newly remodelled and refurbished office space for officers of the Income Tax department working in the Delhi Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).
Shishir Jha, Commissioner & Spokesperson, CBDT informed that the new office fitted with compactors for proper record management, addresses a long-standing requirement for proper office accommodation. Officers of the Income Tax department posted as Departmental Representatives in the ITAT defend high value tax litigations. This system of government officers matching their wits against the sharpest tax consultants and practitioners is unique to the revenue earning tax departments in India.
As on 30.9.2007, direct tax revenue of about Rs.20,500 crore was locked up in litigation before the ITAT all over India.
Well done! CBDT even though it is too late, but it is great that the CBDT has noticed the important role of the DRs and how they have to match their wits with the sharpest consultants. It is time both the Revenue Boards realise the great work done by the DRs in pathetic working conditions and the most unkind unrewarding attitude of the Boards. Even after slogging it in the Tribunals for many years, they are unceremoniously transferred out to unwanted places, leaving them frustrated.
Government should seriously consider giving them facilities like secretarial assistance, vehicles, library and a small fee for each case they handle and access to quality library online and offline.