‘Honoring the honest’: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel honors taxpayers

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], July 25 (ANI): CM Bhupendra Patel praised the transformation of the tax system from a process-centric to a people-centric model, a change driven by the reform, perform, and transform vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Addressing a function organized by the Income Tax Department to mark the 165th Income Tax Day in Ahmedabad, the Chief Minister honoured taxpayers through the ‘Honoring the Honest’ initiative.

He emphasized that in the Prime Minister’s third term, achieving the goal of making India the world’s third-largest economic power requires leveraging future-oriented infrastructure, technology, welfare schemes, and the judicious use of taxpayer contributions in development projects.

The Gujarat CM highlighted the vital role of taxpayers’ contributions as a significant revenue source. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for enhancing transparency and ease in the Income Tax Department through technological innovations.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the advancements made for taxpayers over recent decades, noting the increased transparency brought by faceless assessments and appeals.

He noted a significant shift in attitudes towards taxpayers, with this year’s Union Budget focusing on simplifying taxation and improving services for them.

CM Patel highlighted that a review of the Income Tax Act, of 1961, aimed at making it more concise and clear, is a significant aspect of the budget. The Chief Minister conveyed the belief that the collaborative efforts of taxpayers and Income Tax Department personnel will be pivotal in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat.

CM Patel also stated that Gujarat serves as both a role model and a growth engine for the country’s development, while also leading in tax contributions. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Gujarat has achieved a tax collection of 64 thousand crore rupees. Moreover, Gujarat’s growth rate in new return filings exceeds the national average, reaching 33.49% compared to 32.13% nationally. CM praised Income Tax Department employees as guardians of the nation’s development and economic strength, encouraging them to create an environment where every taxpayer contributes honestly to the national interest.

At the event, Chief Income Tax Commissioner Yashwant Chauhan welcomed everyone and mentioned that Finance Minister James Wilson first included tax revenue in the budget in 1860.

He also noted that new Acts were introduced in 1865, 1922, and 1961. The Income Tax Commissioner commended the country’s progress across various sectors and pointed out that for the fiscal year 2024-25, the Income Tax Department is expected to contribute 46 per cent of the budgeted revenue.

He emphasized the department’s essential role in national development. Chief Income Tax Commissioner of TDS, Dr Banwarilal, conveyed his gratitude to the Chief Minister, applauding the state’s policies that have fostered Gujarat’s growth in business and industry, leading to impressive tax collections.

Income Tax Commissioner assured the Chief Minister that the Income Tax Department would continue to serve taxpayers with dedication under his guidance. During the event, the Chief Minister honoured the top two taxpayers in the state and one newly established local manufacturing company with the highest tax contributions for the assessment year 2023-24.

The event was attended by numerous officers and employees from the Income Tax Department, other related departments, and taxpayers.