The Income Tax Department has invited fresh bid for setting up centralised processing centres (CPCs) for bulk processing of I-T returns at Manesar and Pune, as the earlier tender received no interest.

Two new CPCs, announced in the Budget 2011-12, were supposed to become operational by May. Another proposed I-T return processing centre at Kolkota was supposed to become operational in 2012-13.

At present a CPC is functioning in Bangalore which processes 1.5 lakh returns daily.
"No bid was received for CPCs at Manesar and Pune. Bids have been reinvited. (the centres) could the be set up in next six months," the Finance Ministry said.

Besides, due to failure of Pune and Manesar tendering, the tendering for Kolkata unit too has been delayed.

"It can be initiated only after the completion of the Pune and Manesar retendering."
The CPCs would process electronically-filed tax returns as well physical returns in the Northern and Western regions expeditiously for the I-T Department.

The processing centres would have dedicated call centre where people can inquire about the status of their tax returns and refunds. Besides, it would also be equipped with a remote record storage unit aimed at reducing congestion in the I-T offices. (PTI)