FM Sitharaman Directs Income Tax Dept to Work for the Benefit of Common People

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has delivered a strong message to the officials of the Income Tax (IT) department, emphasizing that common citizens should not have to unnecessarily run around government offices to access services that are their rightful due. She directed the officials to ensure that the public’s work is completed swiftly and efficiently within the established regulatory framework.

Empathy for the Common Man
Speaking at the inauguration of the new ‘Aaykar Sindhu’ building in Mumbai on Sunday, Sitharaman highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles the IT department itself faced. She recalled that IT officials had to run from pillar to post across various departments just to secure the necessary permissions for constructing this new building.

“If you, backed by such a powerful department, had to face so many difficulties, imagine the plight of a common man,” the Finance Minister pointed out. She urged the officials to reflect on this experience and ensure that they do not subject the general public to similar unnecessary delays, but instead focus on getting their work done seamlessly.

Proactive Service and Rule Adherence
Sitharaman explicitly clarified that she was not instructing anyone to bypass or violate the law. Instead, she called for a more proactive and positive approach from the bureaucracy. She stressed that officials must maintain a helpful demeanor when delivering services to eligible individuals, ensuring that the rules are applied to facilitate solutions rather than create roadblocks.

Strict Warning on Encroachment of Government Lands
During the same address, the Finance Minister also expressed deep dissatisfaction regarding the protection of government properties. Pointing to a specific instance where illegal encroachments occurred on land that had been under the IT department’s possession since 1973, she termed it a clear sign of administrative failure.

Sitharaman issued a stern reminder that safeguarding government assets is a fundamental responsibility of the officials, stressing that there should be absolutely no room for negligence when it comes to protecting public property.