24 July: CBDT celebrates Aaykar Diwas

On 24 July 2019, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and all field offices observed and celebrated 159th Income Tax Day also known as Aaykar Diwas.

About Aaykar Diwas 2019

Background: It was on 24 July in 1860 that Income Tax (IT) was introduced for 1st time in India by Sir James Wilson to compensate for losses incurred by British regime during First War of Independence (also known as Revolt of 1857) against British Rule.

Celebration: An event to mark Income Tax Day held in New Delhi was attended by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The event included release of departmental publications, e-journal, publicity kit for outreach programmes among other things.

Week preceding Aaykar Diwas: was marked by various activities undertaken by regional offices of department across India. It included-

Several field offices undertook grievance redressal week/fortnight to help redress pending grievances of tax payers.

Some field stations made free legal aid available to tax payers in conjunction with local Tax Bar Association.

Digital kiosk that have interactive as well as informative digital display was also set up in certain stations so as to improve tax payer services.

Several field stations are also holding functions felicitating super senior tax payers for their contribution to nation building, while also recognizing hard work put in by officers and officials of department in various designated areas of work.

Kardaata e-SahyogAbhiyaan was launched by finance department. It is an endeavour to assist and support taxpayers and other stakeholders in enabling them to e-file their returns and discharge other tax related obligations.

Some offices also held street plays/nukkadnataks to promote awareness of taxes, while several others organized Walkathon/Taxathon for a cause i.e. a Walk for Taxes.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019