Even as the results for the new government were declared on May 16, P Chidambaram, in one of his last decisions as finance minister, cleared over 100 postings of officers of the rank of commissioners and director and joint director of income tax.

According to a circular issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the posting of officers who were promoted to the grade of commissioner, director or joint director of income tax earlier, was ordered “with immediate effect” for 125 officials. The circular, dated May 16 said, “in respect of officers on election duty, the order will be effective after the completion of the election process and relieving of the officers by the EC and till then they may assume charge of CIT at their present place of posting”.

The circular says that the officers should be relieved before May 23 “positively” and the compliance report regarding their relieving and joining would have to be forwarded to the database cell by May 30.

A senior official told The Indian Express that apart from this, the revenue department also asked the CBDT and Central Board of Customs and Excise to return all officers on special duty (OSD) to their regular jobs, a decision that has left both the boards miffed. The boards have argued that the return of the around 40 OSDs would impact the work of the ministry.

Meanwhile, the cadre restructuring of the CBEC is yet to be implemented and the new finance minister will be tasked with the formation of the new cadre comprising additional over 1,200 posts in Grade A in the next five years. Together, both the CBDT and CBEC are expected to generate additional revenue of over Rs 70,000 crore on account of better administration and enhanced manpower. CASANSAAR (Indian Express)