In an urgent missive to all the department officials, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) warned that actions will be taken against the officials for using State Emblem of India on their official vehicles.
The Board has noticed that official cars used by the Income Tax officers posted in the various field units/Zones are using the State Emblem without any authority which is in gross violation of the statutory provisions.
This is violation of ‘The State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper use) Rules, 2007. The State Emblem of India on vehicle is limited to the authorities specified in Schedule II of the aforesaid Rules, it said.
Accordingly, the Board has advised all the Pr. CCITs (CCA)/Pr. DGITs to instruct their admin officers dealing with engagement and allocation of vehicle for official use within its area of jurisdiction to desist use of State Emblem of India on the vehicles provided to the officers for official use .
The Board has warned that if any such instance comes to its notice in future, the matter will be viewed seriously and the concerned officer as well as the concerned Pr.CCIT/Pr.DGIT will be held responsible for violation of the provisions of aforesaid Act.
