A group of 141 officer trainees of 67th Batch of Indian Revenue Service called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday (July 16, 2014).

Speaking on the occasion, the President stated that his association with the Department goes back to the 70s. Over the years, he has seen that there has been an enormous expansion in the volume and variety of taxes. The collection of direct taxes in 1860-61 was Rupees 30 lakhs, when Income Tax was introduced in India in July, 1860. In this financial year, the direct tax collection is set to exceed Rupees 7.36 lakh crores.

The President said that various Finance Ministers at various levels have injected their innovative ideas in tax mobilization and tax reforms in order to improve the tax administrative structure in this country. New challenges have emerged in the wake of globalization and economic integration. He told the probationers that in the coming years they will be dealing with the complex issues arising in an integrated world economy. The emerging challenges in tax administration can be met through ingenuity, innovation and adoption of new ideas and technology. He wished the probationers the very best in their future careers. He stated that with enthusiasm and innovative thinking the young IRS officers can bring changes in tune with the rapidly transforming national and global scenario.

The officer trainees are presently undergoing a sixteen month induction training at the National Academy of Direct Taxes, Nagpur. The group comprises of 38 lady officers.