INCOME TAX PORTAL NOW ALLOWS TAXPAYERS TO REPORT CORRUPTION & HARASSMENT!
The Portal has introduced a dedicated window for raising grievances relating to corruption, allowing a complainant to provide details such as the name and designation of the officer involved and a description of the issue.
Interestingly, the grievance categories also include misbehaviour, harassment and sexual harassment.
This is a significant step.
Many taxpayers who face corruption, harassment or inappropriate conduct may hesitate to make a formal complaint… either because they are unaware of the appropriate forum or because of concerns about possible repercussions.
Having a dedicated mechanism directly on the Income Tax Portal makes the process more accessible and, hopefully, encourages people to report such instances.
At the same time, it is equally important that genuine complainants are adequately protected from any adverse action or victimisation by the department.
A welcome step. Hopefully, it leads to meaningful action too