India has Moved from Tax-Terrorism to Tax-Transparency: Prime Minister

Published By : Admin | November 11, 2020 | 17:00 IST
Stress on dignity of honest taxpayer is the biggest reform
Inaugurates Office-cum-Residential Complex of Cuttack Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Office-cum-Residential Complex of Cuttack Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal through video conference today. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said this bench would now provide modern facilities not only to Odisha, but to millions of taxpayers of Eastern and North Eastern India and help in disposing off all the pending cases in this region.

The Prime Minister said today, the country is moving from Tax Terrorism to Tax Transparency. He added that this change has come due to the approach of Reform, Perform and Transform. He said rules and procedures are being reformed with the help of technology. He said “We are performing with clear intentions and at the same time transforming the mindset of the tax administration.”

The Prime Minister said when the difficulties of the country's wealth creator are reduced, they get protection, then their trust grows in the country's systems. He added the result of this growing trust is that more and more partners are coming forward to join the tax system for the development of the country. The Prime Minister remarked that along with the reduction of tax and simplicity in the process, the biggest reforms that have been done are related to the dignity of honest taxpayers, to protect them from trouble.

The Prime Minister said the thought process in the government is to trust the income tax return completely at first after being filed. As a result of this, 99.75 percent of the returns filed in the country today are accepted without any objection. He said it is a big change in the country's tax system.

Shri Modi said the long period of slavery had made the relationship between tax payer and the tax collector that of exploited and exploiters. Quoting Goswami Tulsidas “बरसत हरसत सब लखें, करसत लखे न कोय तुलसी प्रजा सुभाग से, भूप भानु सो होय” meaning when clouds rain, the benefit is visible to all of us; but when clouds are formed, the sun absorbs the water but does not cause inconvenience to anyone, the Prime Minister said governance should not cause inconvenience when collecting tax from the common people; but when that money reaches the citizens, then people should feel its benefits in their lives. He said over the years, the government has moved ahead with this vision and today's taxpayer is witnessing huge changes and transparency in the entire tax system. He said when the taxpayer does not have to wait months for a refund and gets a refund within a few weeks, then he feels transparency. When he sees that the department has resolved the age-old dispute on its own, then he feels transparency. When he enjoys faceless appeal, then he feels tax transparency. When he sees that income tax is continuously decreasing, then he feels more tax transparency.

The Prime Minister attributed zero tax on income up to Rs 5 lakh in the country as a huge benefit being given to our youth of lower middle class today. He added that the new option of income tax given in the budget this year, has simplified the lives of the taxpayer. He said to speed up the pace of development and make India more investment friendly a historic cut has been made in corporate tax. He said the tax rate for new domestic manufacturing companies has been set at 15 percent for the country to become self-sufficient in manufacturing. He added Dividend Distribution Tax has also been scrapped to increase investment in India's equity market. GST has also reduced the tax net and the tax rate in most goods and services has also come down. He said ease of doing business has improved in the country as a result of reducing the burden of disputes by increasing the limit of appeal from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 50 lakh in ITAT and to Rs 2 crore in Supreme Court.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that the IT Appellate Tribunal is also upgrading its Benches across the country for Virtual Hearing and said it is very important to upgrade the entire system in the era of technology. He stressed that more and more use of technology especially in our judiciary has started giving new convenience to the citizens of the country.

 

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‘India’s Defence Transformation is a Testament to Self-Reliance and Sovereignty,’ says Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence
January 31, 2025

India’s defence sector has witnessed unprecedented growth and modernisation in recent years, driven by indigenous production, strategic investments, and a renewed focus on self-reliance. From the ₹10,000 crore Pinaka rocket ammunition deal to advanced missile technologies like Agni V MIRV and Pralay, the nation is reinforcing its position as a global military powerhouse.

Speaking about India’s evolving defence capabilities, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, ‘India’s defence transformation is not accidental; it is the result of strategic policies, technological innovation, and a commitment to our sovereignty. We are not just equipping our armed forces; we are building a foundation of self-reliance for generations to come.’

The Pinaka Enhanced Rocket System, developed by DRDO, has become a symbol of India’s growing indigenous capabilities. “Pinaka is more than a weapon—it represents India’s determination to rely on its own technological advancements. It ensures that our armed forces are equipped with world-class systems made right here on Indian soil,” said Singh. The deal, which engages both public and private sectors, highlights the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and creating jobs within the country.

India’s successful deployment of the Agni V missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, reflects its strategic deterrence capabilities. ‘Agni V sends a strong message: India is prepared to defend its sovereignty against any threat. It enhances our deterrence capability and demonstrates our readiness to face modern challenges,’ Singh emphasised.

The addition of the Pralay tactical missile further strengthens India’s strike capabilities. Designed for rapid deployment and precision targeting, it is ideal for high-altitude and border operations. ‘Pralay is a game-changer. It ensures that India can respond swiftly and effectively in any conflict scenario,’ Singh remarked, calling the missile a testament to DRDO’s innovative approach to modern warfare.

India’s foray into Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) is equally impressive, representing the future of military technology. These systems, including laser-based and microwave-based weapons, are critical for neutralizing advanced threats like drones and missiles. ‘DEWs showcase our ability to lead in next-generation warfare. These systems are a reflection of India’s scientific talent and strategic foresight,’ Singh said.

Singh also highlighted the transformation in India’s defence budgeting over the years. Before 2014, defence spending focused primarily on maintenance, with limited investment in modernisation. Today, the defence budget has consistently increased under the able the leadership of PM Modi, with the 2024-25 allocation crossing ₹ 6.21 lakh crore. ‘Our budgets reflect our priorities. Nearly 75% of our defence modernization Budget is directed toward domestic procurement, ensuring that every rupee strengthens our self-reliance and national security,’ he said.

Emphasising the commitment of the Government towards Atamnirbharta in defence, Shri Singh mentioned “ Recognizing the need for robust growth of private defence industry in the country, 25 % of this modernization budget allocation has further been reserved for procurement from private defence industry. This has assured private sector of firm demand, thus encouraging them to undertake further investment. This has been a game-changer so far as development of domestic defence industry is concerned.

The Defence Minister asserted that another major game-changer in defence manufacturing in India has been the issue of five Positive Indigenization Lists containing more than 500 major defence items which are to be produced within country over a span of time. These lists have provided a road map for progressive realization of the objective of self-reliance in defence.

Infrastructure has been another critical focus area. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has significantly enhanced connectivity in strategic areas like Jammu & Kashmir and the North East. Projects like the Atal Tunnel exemplify the government’s commitment to integrating infrastructure with defence preparedness. ‘The development of all-weather roads and tunnels ensures that our troops can mobilize swiftly while empowering local communities. This is a dual achievement of security and inclusion,’ Singh noted.

India’s defence transformation extends beyond protecting borders; it is about securing the nation’s future and positioning it as a global leader. ‘Our journey is one of innovation, self-reliance, and unwavering resolve. We are building a stronger India that is prepared for any challenges’ Singh concluded.

India's defence sector exemplifies the nation's resilience and vision, focusing on modernisation, indigenous production, and strategic investments. As Rajnath Singh aptly put it, ‘India is not just building weapons; we are building strength, security, and sovereignty for generations to come.’