Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the importance of efficiency, integrity, and citizen-centric governance during an event in Mumbai. She highlighted the need for Income Tax Department officials to streamline services and reduce delays for citizens. Sitharaman shared concerns about the bureaucratic hurdles faced by ordinary people and urged officials to empathize with their challenges.
At the inauguration of the Aaykar Sindhu building, Sitharaman drew parallels between the department’s own struggles in obtaining clearances and the obstacles encountered by the public. She encouraged officials to provide timely and hassle-free services to citizens without compromising on rules. The Finance Minister stressed the significance of addressing legitimate requests promptly.
Expressing dismay over mismanagement of government assets, Sitharaman raised issues of illegal encroachments on Income Tax Department land. She highlighted the delays caused by unauthorized occupations on the property allotted in 1973. Sitharaman criticized the lax approach towards safeguarding government assets and emphasized the need for proactive asset management to prevent encroachments.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by Income Tax officials, Sitharaman addressed concerns about the shortage of official residential accommodations in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. She recognized the hardships officers endure due to long commutes and pledged to address the accommodation issue. Sitharaman emphasized the importance of providing suitable housing facilities for government employees to improve their work-life balance.
