Income Tax Employees Gear Up for Nationwide Protest Against CBDT Apathy

Income tax employees across the nation plan to boycott the upcoming Income Tax Day celebrations on July 24. This move forms part of an escalating protest against the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for what the workers describe as endemic apathy toward their crucial issues. The Joint Council of Action (JCA), which represents the Income Tax Employees Federation (ITEF) and the Income Tax Gazetted Officers Association (ITGOA), detailed a series of agitation programs poised to intensify, potentially impeding tax administration operations across the country.

The demonstrations are set to kick off on July 23 at various principal stations, including those of Chief Commissioners across 18 regions. According to the JCA, persistent administrative indifference has forced their hand. Scheduled future actions include half-day sit-ins, full-day walkouts, and widespread non-participation in official meetings. The JCA has issued warnings of their planned boycott, emphasizing their concerns have largely been ignored.

The protest underlines a slew of unresolved concerns impacting a majority of the workforce, including stalled promotions, delayed Cadre Reviews, and issues stemming from recent transfer orders. The lack of adequate hardware for new Income Tax Officers and disenchantment over unrealized expectations following the CBDT Chairman's reappointment further fuels the dissent. As JCA ramps up its efforts, the anticipated disruption aims to capture the attention of higher authorities to address the simmering discontent.

(With inputs from agencies.)