LAHORE: In the wake of instructions from Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to restore confidence of the public in tax administration, RTO-II, Lahore held its first e-khuli kutchri on 9-7-2020. The participants were members of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI).
The kutcheri was chaired by the Chief Commissioner Ahmad Shuja Khan who dilated upon the spirit behind holding such kutcheris. Irfan Sheikh, President LCCI lauded the efforts of the government for opening new pathways for redressal of taxpayers’ grievances. He said that Covid19 has badly affected the businesses and disturbed their normal cash flows. Further, the president praised the slogan raised for public interest.
The participants stated their grievances turn by turn and the CCIR, RTO-II issued on-the-spot instructions to the concerned offices for immediate redressal. Where certain matters were related to approvals by the Board, contact details of the taxpayers were taken down to follow up and resolve the matters on top priority. These matters mostly related to suspension under Sales Tax Act, 1990 and difficulties in revision of Sales Tax returns. The CCIR ensured participants regarding timely disposal of grievances.
Rebuilding trust in public sector organizations through improved access and transparency is a priority area for the federal government.
For providing services at citizens’ doorsteps in a timely, fair, open and impartial manner the concept of E-Kachehri has been introduced which embodies the spirit of a truly democratic and welfare-oriented government.
This platform is meant to bridge communication gaps between the public and the government. Therefore, the federal organizations have been directed to conduct Khuli Kachehris with the slogans:
Listen patiently and treat properly;
Discuss openly and resolve publicly.
All the participants appreciated and expressed their gratitude for conducting E- Kachehri to air their grievances for resolution of day-to-day issues through effective use of technology. It was hoped that this initiative will gain further strength and outreach with the passage of time and eradicate the trust deficit it is meant to tackle.
