Chief Commissioner Vikram Sahay Encourages Transparency and Direct Engagement with Business Community
The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, July 14: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) today organised an interactive awareness session with the Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Lassipora. The programme witnessed active participation from several unit holders based in the Lassipora industrial estate and was aimed at promoting direct engagement between the Income Tax Department and the business community.
The Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Mr. Vikram Sahay, appreciated the initiative taken by KCCI and described the session as a step towards building mutual trust and confidence between the Department and taxpayers. He emphasised that the issuance of notices by the Department should not be seen as punitive but rather as a mechanism to seek information. He reassured participants that there was no need to panic upon receiving such notices, as the Department is committed to supporting honest taxpayers.
Mr. Sahay was accompanied by key officers of the Income Tax Department, including Dr. Ruveda Salam, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, Srinagar; Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Ganie, Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Circle Srinagar; and Mr. Abhineet Jhorar, Income Tax Officer. He cautioned that non-response to income tax notices often leads to complications, including the raising of avoidable tax demands and, in some cases, freezing of accounts—as happened in a few cases last year. He urged the business community to ensure that all claims and deductions are genuine and properly documented. He also advised that tax consultants should be well-informed and not encourage filing of inaccurate or exaggerated claims, which has been observed even among government employees.
Reiterating the Department’s commitment to transparency, Mr. Sahay encouraged taxpayers to directly approach the Department for any clarification. “We are part of the same society. You are always welcome to visit our offices for any assistance,” he said.
The Chief Commissioner also advised businesses to regularly update their mobile numbers and email addresses with the Department in order to receive timely alerts and messages. He reminded participants of the importance of advance tax payments—scheduled on 15 June, 15 September, 15 December, and 15 March—which he said are vital for the country’s financial system.
During the discussion, participants raised the issue of South Kashmir’s jurisdiction being attached to the Udhampur Income Tax Office, which has caused inconvenience, particularly to growers. In response, Mr. Sahay informed that suggestions for the creation of additional Income Tax wards have already been submitted and assured that instructions would be given to the Udhampur office to organise a facilitation camp at Lassipora to ease compliance.
KCCI President, Mr. Javid Ahmad Tenga, in his opening remarks, welcomed the Chief Commissioner and emphasised the importance of taking such initiatives to the industrial districts. He stated that this session marks the beginning of a broader collaborative effort between KCCI and the Income Tax Department to raise awareness at the grassroots level.
The KCCI was represented at the session by Senior Vice President Mr. Ashiq Hussain Shangloo and Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, who also interacted with the participants and reinforced the Chamber’s commitment to supporting members in understanding and fulfilling their tax responsibilities.
Mr. Mukhtar Ahmad Khan, President, Industrial Growth Centre, Lasssipora, Presented the welcome address & felicitated the Chief Guest Chief Income Tax Commissioner.
Participants were reminded that while the last date for filing income tax returns has been extended to 30 September, the deadline for submission of income tax statements remains 31 July.
The session concluded with a shared understanding on the importance of continued awareness efforts—particularly on issues such as TDS compliance, documentation, and filing procedures—to strengthen the relationship between the Department and the business community in the region.It was agreed to organise more interactive sessions at major business areas.
