Kangra (S Gopal Puri)
In a bid to empower the business community, The Newz Radar (TNR) hosted a Business Empowerment Meet in collaboration with the Income Tax Department on Friday.
The event, held at Tandon Club, Kangra, was supported by the Yogiraj Tax Association and the town’s Beopar Mandal.
Addressing the gathering, Raja Ghosh, Additional commissioner of Income Tax from Shimla, lauded taxpayers for their crucial role in nation-building. “Proud taxpayers drive the nation forward. However, filing false returns can lead to severe consequences,” he cautioned.
Highlighting the department’s advanced technological capabilities, Ghosh warned, “We track discrepancies between declared income and actual investments. Penalties for such mismatches can go up to 200% of the income concealed. Avoid such practices and stay compliant.”
Adding to the discourse, Income Tax Officer Vipin Kumar introduced the government’s ‘Vivad se Vishwas’ scheme. He elaborated on the relaxations offered under the scheme for individuals facing scrutiny or seeking rectification of past returns. Kumar emphasised the need for individuals to utilise such opportunities to resolve tax disputes amicably.
The initiative was part of the TNR’s campaign to empower businesses, which are the backbone of the nation’s economy. With Himachal Pradesh grappling under a debt burden of nearly Rs 1 lakh crore, policymakers and bureaucrats have emphasised the need for economic upliftment through the active participation of the business community, both local and external.
The event drew appreciation from attendees, who highlighted the need for similar awareness programmes in rural areas. “Many people fear the Income Tax Department due to a lack of understanding. Such initiatives can bridge the gap and encourage more individuals to become tax-compliant,” noted Rajkumar Ohri, one of the participants in the meet.
TNR’s Business Empowerment Meet underscored the significance of transparency, compliance and collaboration in fostering a robust economic framework. By promoting awareness and encouraging dialogue, the campaign seeks to strengthen the role of businesses in driving regional and national progress.
