FM Nirmala Sitharaman Urges IT Officials To Improve Services

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday urged Income Tax Department officials to ensure that citizens do not have to face unnecessary delays in receiving services.

She was speaking after inaugurating the 13-storey Aaykar Sindhu building in Mumbai. FM Sitharaman stressed the need for greater efficiency, integrity and citizen-centric governance.

The finance minister expressed concern over the laidback functioning of government departments. She recalled the challenges encountered during the construction of the new office building.

FM Sitharaman asked officials to ensure that people receive services they are entitled to without unnecessary delays. She said that officials should not bypass rules but must facilitate legitimate requests efficiently.

The finance minister also expressed disappointment over the manner in which government assets are managed. She pointed to illegal encroachments on land belonging to the Income Tax Department.

The land on which the 1.13 lakh sq ft Aaykar Sindhu building has been constructed had been allotted to the department in 1973. However, illegal occupations had gradually come up over the years, delaying the development of the property.

FM Sitharaman said that the fact that the land was encroached upon shows that the governance is too laid back. She said that it is somebody's job to take care of government assets.

The finance minister also addressed concerns raised by Income Tax officials over the shortage of official residential accommodation in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. She acknowledged that many officers are forced to undertake long daily commutes.

FM Sitharaman's comments come at a time when the government is trying to improve the delivery of services to citizens. The finance minister's emphasis on citizen-centric governance is expected to have a positive impact on the functioning of government departments.

The inauguration of the Aaykar Sindhu building is a significant development for the Income Tax Department. The new building is expected to provide better facilities to officials and improve the overall functioning of the department.

In conclusion, FM Nirmala Sitharaman's comments highlight the need for greater efficiency and citizen-centric governance in government departments. Her emphasis on improving services and managing government assets is expected to have a positive impact on the functioning of the Income Tax Department and other government departments.