President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday met officer trainees of the 79th batch of the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) at Rashtrapati Bhavan and emphasised the importance of fairness, transparency and integrity in tax administration.
Addressing the trainees, the President said direct taxes play a crucial role in advancing national development by providing governments with a stable source of revenue to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare and social welfare.
“A fair and transparent tax system fosters equity and strengthens the foundation of inclusive and sustainable growth,” she said.
The President noted that the role of IRS officers extends beyond tax collection. She said officers are expected to analyse complex financial transactions, trace illicit financial flows across borders and unravel intricate corporate structures.
“These responsibilities make you indispensable partners in advancing the nation’s journey towards the goal of Viksit Bharat,” she said, adding that officers must take decisions that are just, efficient and based on a deeper understanding of business processes.
Referring to the Income Tax Department’s motto from Kautilya’s Arthashastra — “Kosh Moolo Dandah” — the President said the strength of governance rests on the treasury and efficient tax mobilisation.
She also highlighted the transformation taking place in India’s economy through industrialisation, digitisation and formalisation, noting that these developments present both opportunities and challenges for tax administration.
Murmu said increasing cross-border financial transactions and international cooperation in taxation mean that IRS officers will play an important role in strengthening global tax governance and maintaining India’s credibility in international tax administration.
The President pointed to reforms within the Income Tax Department, including simplified tax frameworks, data-driven compliance systems, pre-filled returns, the Annual Information Statement and faceless administration.
She also referred to the department’s initiative called “Non-Intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable” (NUDGE), which uses data-driven insights to improve voluntary compliance and reduce litigation.
“The increasing use of artificial intelligence, data mining and risk-based verification systems reflects a transition towards technology-driven administration,” she said, urging the trainees to leverage technology to make tax administration more transparent and citizen-centric.
The President noted that the trainees would be the first batch to study the new Income Tax Act, 2025 during their training and later implement it in the field.
She advised the young officers to exercise prudence in their conduct and decision-making.
“A prudent officer balances enforcement with facilitation, authority with humility, and technological capability with human sensitivity,” she said.
The officer trainees, including two from the Royal Bhutan Service, are currently undergoing induction training at the National Academy of Direct Taxes in Nagpur.
Murmu expressed confidence that the officers would discharge their duties with dedication, integrity and courage and contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
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