Modi to inaugurate Revenue 'Gyan Sangam' on June 16 in Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 5: The two revenue collection arms of the central government--the CBDT and CBEC--will jointly hold their annual brainstorming session for the first time later this month which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi will inaugurate the two-day 'Rajasva Gyan Sangam' at Vigyan Bhavan on June 16 which would be attended by the top brass of the Income Tax department and Customs and Central Excise.

The conclave will deliberate on a on a host of issues related to taxpayer services and effective implementation of fiscal laws and government policies.

Modi will deliver his inaugural address to about 250 officials of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will also address the conference on day one.

Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha will deliver the valedictory address on the second and last day. "The conference has been named 'Rajasva Gyan Sangam' (revenue officers retreat).

Apart from technical sessions of the two boards, the inaugural and valedictory events will be held together. This is happening for the first time and the Finance Ministry is putting in special efforts to make the event successful," a senior official said.

The official said work is on to invite few other speakers who would interact with the officers during the two-day conference which will be attended by Principal Chief Commissioners, Principal Directors General and Principal Commissioners of the CBDT and CBEC.

While CBDT is responsible for collecting direct taxes, the CBEC does the same vis-a-vis indirect taxes. "It is expected that the sessions may extend up to June 18 for few hours," the official said.

Till now, the two boards used to hold their annual conference separately with the chief guest being the Finance Minister. The itinerary and other details for the conference are still being worked.

The details of the deliberations will be sent to not only the FM's office but also to the Prime Ministers Office, sources said.

The sessions will be divided into two broad subjects relating to government's plan of financial inclusion and ensuring a transparent tax regime for businesses and foreign investors, besides issues and challenges being faced by the departments like Income Tax, Customs, Central Excise and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

Modi, at his recent review meetings with the CBDT and CBEC officials had reiterated the need for reducing taxpayers' grievances and ensuring a quick resolution of their problems.

The Prime Minister is likely to outline the government's goals vis-a-vis some flagship programmes like 'Make in India' and 'Startup India' at the conference, the official said.

PTI