Srinagar: The Income Tax Department today organised an awareness programme on the New Income Tax Act, 2025 at its Srinagar office as part of a nationwide outreach campaign aimed at promoting simplification and greater understanding of the direct taxation system among taxpayers and stakeholders.
The programme was hosted by Monika Dhami, Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, Srinagar, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from taxpayers and representatives of various trade and professional bodies, including the Bar Association, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cold Storage Association Srinagar and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Srinagar Chapter, among others.
Dr. G. S. Phani Kishore, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Amritsar Region, was the chief guest on the occasion and delivered the keynote address.
In his address, Dr. Kishore highlighted the key features and benefits of the New Income Tax Act, 2025, which will come into effect from April 1, 2026. He stated that the new legislation seeks to make the direct tax framework simpler, more accessible and easier for taxpayers to understand by reducing procedural complexity, removing redundant provisions and consolidating scattered provisions into a more coherent and streamlined structure.
The keynote address was followed by a detailed presentation on the broader changes introduced under the New Income Tax Act, 2025 by Shakil Ahmad Ganie, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, Srinagar.
The participants were also briefed about the “Kar Saathi” chatbot through a presentation delivered by Abhineet Jhorar, Income Tax Officer (ITO). The chatbot, available on the official website of the Income Tax Department, has been designed to assist taxpayers by addressing their queries online and helping them navigate various tax-related processes and services.
Towards the conclusion of the programme, an interactive open discussion session was held during which participants raised various important issues, including matters relating to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), the need for greater taxpayer awareness and outreach initiatives, and other practical aspects of tax administration. The queries and concerns raised by the participants were addressed by departmental officers.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Dr. Ruweda Salam, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, Srinagar, who expressed gratitude to all the participants for their active participation and for contributing towards broader awareness and constructive two-way communication between the department and taxpayers.
