The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the topmost authority on policy-making related to direct taxes has warned IRS officers not to use Political or other outside influence for transfer postings. In a letter marked to all Principal Chief Commissioners and Director General Income Tax issued in first week of October, the CBDT says, “Instances have come to notice where IRS officers/officials have violated the aforementioned provisions of the CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964 and attempted to bring political or other outside influence to bear upon any superior authority to further their interest in respect of matters pertaining to their service under the Government. The circular suggests the IRS officers to keep in mind the aforesaid provisions and desist from approaching the political and other outside influence.
All officers/officials of income tax have been advised to follow the CCS (Conduct) Rules and any failure will be viewed very seriously, the circular said.
Under Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules if any officer violates the provisions then warning can be issued against him/her, negative entry in appraisal and even disciplinary action can be taken.
From June onwards this year, large-scale transfer orders were issued from the level of ACIT/DCIT to Principal CCITs and DGITs and in the coming days and weeks also, CBDT is about to issue transfer orders for its officers. While that is generally done without fear or favour, in practice officers often try to get posted at most sought after locations like Mumbai or Delhi, at many an occasions through political intervention and influence.
