The Central Board of Direct Taxes ( CBDT ) is taking some serious steps to create a tax-friendly atmosphere. In a letter addressing officials of the department, the Principal Director General, Neena Kumar reminded that the behavior of officers and staff should be courteous, polite and above reproach.
“The Board has constantly impressed upon the officers in the field formations the necessity of soft skills while dealing with taxpayers or their representatives. It is important that the behavior of officers and staff should be courteous, polite and above reproach,” the letter said.
Pointing out some incidents regarding harassment, misconduct and high handedness of Officers and staff, the letter said that such incidents damage the image and reputation of the Income Tax Department and dent the efforts of the Department to position itself as a service oriented organization.
“May I, therefore request you to issue necessary instructions to your officers and staff to deal with public not only with administrative efficiency but also with the requisite soft skills. Their behaviour needs to be impeccable not only in the performance of their official duties but also decorous outside the office. Clause 3 and 3A (extract enclosed) and other applicable rules of the Central Civil Service (CCS) Conduct Rules, 1964 may kindly be reiterated in this regard,” she said.
CBDT is the apex direct tax body regulating and supervising the officers of the tax department. The current Chairperson of the Board is Sushil Chandra.
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