FM Nirmala Sitharaman urged Income Tax officials to serve citizens better, reduce delays, protect government assets and maintain integrity in tax services.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called upon officials of the Income Tax Department to work with a citizen-first approach and ensure that ordinary people do not face unnecessary delays while accessing government services.
Addressing Income Tax officials during the inauguration of the new Aaykar Sindhu building at Nariman Point, Mumbai, the Finance Minister stressed that government authorities should use their powers to assist citizens rather than make them move from one office to another for approvals and solutions.
FM Says Government Departments Must Become More Responsive
Highlighting her own experience of dealing with multiple approvals during the construction of the 13-storey Income Tax office building, Sitharaman said that even government departments often face procedural hurdles. She noted that such experiences can help officials understand the difficulties faced by common citizens.
She urged Income Tax officers to ensure that people approaching the department receive timely support.
“Do not make citizens run from pillar to post where your authority is required. Complete the work for them,” the Finance Minister said while addressing officials.
However, she clarified that officers should follow rules and regulations and not provide special treatment or bypass legal procedures.
Concern Over Encroachment on Government Land
Sitharaman also expressed concern over illegal occupation of government properties and questioned the delayed action by departments in protecting their assets.
She said the land where the Aaykar Sindhu building has been constructed was under the Income Tax Department’s ownership since 1973, yet illegal occupations developed over time.
The Finance Minister said that protecting government assets is the responsibility of concerned departments and a lack of timely action can create serious challenges in future development projects.
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Faster Land Transfer and Infrastructure Development Needed
The Finance Minister said she would prefer smoother government-to-government land transfers to speed up infrastructure projects. She added that issues related to permissions, construction, contracts and tenders should be handled efficiently to avoid delays.
Sitharaman emphasised that government offices in rapidly growing cities should have proper infrastructure instead of depending heavily on rented spaces with increasing costs.
She also highlighted the need to secure valuable government land, including properties owned by public sector companies like BSNL, and said she would discuss related matters with the concerned ministry.
Focus on Integrity in Tax Administration
During her interaction, Sitharaman highlighted integrity as the most important principle for officials involved in tax collection and public service.
She said that maintaining honesty, transparency and accountability is essential because the Income Tax Department plays a crucial role in the country’s financial system.
The Finance Minister’s remarks focused on improving governance, protecting public assets and making government services more accessible for citizens.
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