Mumbai, July 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday called upon Income Tax Department officials to adopt a more citizen-centric approach, urging them to ensure that people are not forced to run from one office to another to obtain services they are entitled to receive.
Speaking after inaugurating the 13-storey Aaykar Sindhu building in Mumbai, the Finance Minister said the department’s own experience in securing approvals and overcoming hurdles during the construction of its office should help officials better understand the challenges faced by ordinary citizens while dealing with government departments.
Addressing officers, Sitharaman stressed that while rules and procedures must be followed, genuine requests should be handled efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
“Can this incentivise you to understand the position of a common citizen when he approaches you? Don’t make them run from pillar to post where your authority is required; do the work for them,” she said.
The Finance Minister also expressed concern over what she described as a laidback approach in the management of government assets. Referring to the land on which the new Aaykar Sindhu building has been constructed, she noted that the Income Tax Department had received the plot in 1973, but illegal encroachments over the years delayed its development.
She said the inability to protect government property reflected shortcomings in governance and called for greater accountability in safeguarding public assets.
Sitharaman also acknowledged concerns raised by Income Tax officials regarding the shortage of official residential accommodation in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. She noted that many officers are compelled to undertake long daily commutes and indicated that the issue had been brought to the government’s attention.
The newly inaugurated Aaykar Sindhu building spans approximately 1.13 lakh square feet and is expected to strengthen the department’s administrative infrastructure in Mumbai.
FOLLOW NOW
