The CBDT has issued an Office Memorandum dated 06.01.2014 stating that as part of the Prime Minster’s ‘Good Governance Day’ promise to provide an “open and accountable administration” it has been decided to observe ‘Public Meeting Day’ during 10.00 am to 1.00 pm every Wednesday to listen to and try to resolve the grievances of the members of the public.
Fixing public meeting with the same Assessing Officer is of no consequence. Public meeting for hearing of grievance should be with a senior officer. Accordingly, grieveances should be heard by the Commissioner Of Income Tax. Otherwise it is just an eye wash like so many circulars issued to the deptt./ CIT/CCIT for rederasal of grievances, such as appeal effects, deletion of wrong demand, grant of refunds etc, particualy after the Order of High Court of Delhi date 14th March,2013 and even for compliances as per Citizens” Charter.
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