THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
JUNE 5, 2026
The Income Tax
Department has launched an intensive taxpayer outreach drive to facilitate a
smooth transition to the new tax regime, with senior officials emphasizing
transparency, simplified compliance, and responsive grievance redressal as the
cornerstones of the Income Tax Act, 2025.
In a significant
initiative aimed at fostering taxpayer awareness and informed public engagement,
the Office of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Odisha Region,
Bhubaneswar, organized the Mega Outreach Programme “Prarambh-2026” on June 4.
The flagship event focused on educating stakeholders about the key provisions
of the Income Tax Act, 2025, which came into effect on April 1 this year.
Designed as a
taxpayer-centric platform, “Prarambh-2026” highlighted the transformative
reforms embedded in the new legislation. The Act introduces a simplified,
modern, and coherent tax framework intended to reduce compliance burdens,
consolidate scattered provisions, and provide greater clarity in definitions
and procedures. By making tax laws more accessible and user-friendly, the
legislation seeks to enhance ease of doing business while promoting voluntary
compliance.
The programme
witnessed participation from a distinguished gathering of academicians,
representatives of public sector undertakings, government organisations, trade
and industry bodies, tax professionals, and senior officials from leading
educational institutions across Odisha.
Welcoming the
participants, Dr. D. Sudhakara Rao, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax,
Odisha, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to transparent governance,
stakeholder engagement, and the effective implementation of the new tax law.
Addressing the
gathering as Chief Guest, G. Aparna Rao lauded the department’s growing focus on
citizen-centric services and stressed the need to place taxpayer facilitation
at the forefront of administrative priorities. She directed officials to ensure
prompt grievance redressal through dedicated teams and sustained outreach
initiatives across the state.
The programme was
further enriched by the presence of distinguished Guests of Honour, including
Sudarshan Sahoo, Sabarmatee, and Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, who appreciated the
department’s proactive efforts to engage and educate stakeholders on the evolving
tax landscape.
A key highlight of
the event was the technical session conducted by G. M. Doss, who delivered a
detailed presentation on the Income Tax Act, 2025. He explained the major
reforms aimed at simplifying tax administration, improving compliance
mechanisms, and enhancing transparency within the tax ecosystem.
An interactive
session that followed provided participants with an opportunity to share
feedback, seek clarifications, and discuss practical aspects related to the
implementation of the Income Tax Act, 2025 and the Income Tax Rules, 2026.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Arup Chatterjee, Commissioner of Income Tax (TDS), Bhubaneswar, followed by the National Anthem.
Officials expressed confidence that sustained outreach initiatives such as “Prarambh-2026” would strengthen public trust, broaden awareness of tax reforms, and support the effective implementation of the new law. The department reiterated its commitment to building a taxpayer-friendly environment through continuous engagement, education, and meaningful dialogue with all sections of society.
