As part of the ongoing Income Tax Day celebrations, the Income Tax Department Srinagar, under the leadership of Vikram Sahay, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh), conducted a comprehensive tax awareness programme at Dak Bungalow Sopore on Wednesday.
Addressing a gathering of over 100 local stakeholders, including traders, tax professionals, and industry representatives, Chief Commissioner Vikram Sahay, a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), highlighted the essential role of timely tax compliance, transparent income declaration, and the pivotal contribution of taxes to nation-building.
"Pay Tax and Relax," Says Chief Commissioner
In his keynote address, Sahay encouraged citizens to engage proactively with the tax system, assuring swift grievance redressal and stronger outreach from the department. "Pay tax and relax," he said, reaffirming the government's taxpayer-centric and inclusive approach.
He also announced that similar outreach programmes would be organised across various districts of the Kashmir valley to increase financial awareness and trust in tax institutions.
Strong Community Participation and Institutional Support
The awareness event witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the Sopore Traders Association, the Income Tax Bar Association, and the Kashmir chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside representatives from various business bodies.
District Administration Baramulla and Sopore Police played a key role in coordinating and supporting the successful organisation of the event.
Key Sessions and Interactive Dialogue
A concise presentation on significant income tax provisions was delivered by Abhineet Jhorar, Income Tax Officer, Srinagar, followed by an open Q&A session. The discussion addressed specific taxpayer concerns, helping demystify the filing process and compliance requirements.
The programme was led by a senior team of officers, including:
- Farhat Khan, Commissioner of Income Tax
- Dr. Ruveda Salam, Joint Commissioner
- Shakil Ahmad Ganie, Deputy Commissioner
- Moin Siddiqui, Income Tax Officer
- Vimal Madan, Income Tax Officer
- Gulzar Ahmad, ITO (TDS)
Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Raina, was also present and commended the department's proactive engagement with the business community.
Trade Bodies Call for More Interactive Sessions
Representatives from the Sopore trade community expressed appreciation for the initiative and called for more such interactive, on-ground awareness programmes to build a more transparent, compliant, and growth-oriented tax environment in the region.
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