A delegation of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Kashmir Chapter, led by its Chairman A.P. Vicky Shaw, on Thursday called on Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (PCIT), Srinagar, Monika Dhami (IRS), and raised several issues concerning taxpayers, businesses and professionals in the Valley.
The delegation held detailed discussions on challenges faced by the business community in matters relating to income tax assessments, appeals and allied proceedings, while proposing measures aimed at improving taxpayer facilitation and ease of compliance.
The delegation comprised Executive Committee members Madina Mir, CA Anil Kumar Sharma and Gulzar Ahmad. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax Shakil Ahmad Ganie (IRS) was also present during the meeting.
During the interaction, Shaw highlighted the practical difficulties faced by trade, industry and tax professionals in Kashmir and placed many suggestions before the Principal Commissioner for consideration and onward submission to the competent authorities.
A key demand raised by the Chamber was the introduction of virtual hearings for cases involving Kashmir-based assessees before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Amritsar Bench. The delegation pointed out that physical appearances in Amritsar involve considerable travel, time and expenses for taxpayers and their authorised representatives.
The Chamber maintained that conducting hearings through video conferencing would make the appellate process more accessible, cost-effective and efficient, while ensuring speedier disposal of cases.
The delegation also proposed the establishment of a modern digital library at the Income Tax Office, Srinagar. According to the Chamber, the facility should be equipped with online legal research tools, judicial databases, departmental circulars and other reference material.
It said such a facility would benefit income tax officials, chartered accountants, advocates, taxpayers and other stakeholders, besides enhancing the quality of assessments, representations and overall tax administration in the region.
The Principal Commissioner gave a patient hearing to the issues raised by the delegation and appreciated the constructive suggestions put forward by the Chamber. She assured the members that the proposals would be examined and taken up with the appropriate authorities for necessary consideration.
Dhami also reiterated the Income Tax Department’s commitment to taxpayer facilitation and promoting ease of compliance in the Valley.
On the occasion, the PHDCCI delegation felicitated the Principal Commissioner in recognition of her services. The felicitation was led by PHDCCI Kashmir Chapter Chairman A.P. Vicky Shaw.
The Chamber expressed hope that regular engagement between the Income Tax Department and the business community would help address genuine taxpayer grievances and foster greater trust, transparency and voluntary tax compliance across the Kashmir Valley.
