The Joint Council of Action (JCA), comprising the Income Tax Employees Federation (ITEF) and the Income Tax Gazetted Officers’ Association (ITGOA), has once again highlighted several long-pending service matters affecting employees of the Income Tax Department. In a detailed representation addressed to the Chairman, CBDT, on 2 July 2026, the JCA Urges CBDT to Resolve Long-Pending Employee Issues. JCA appreciated the Board’s leadership and welcomed the continuity in administration following the implementation of the Income Tax Act, 2025. At the same time, it expressed concern that many important commitments made during earlier discussions are yet to be implemented.
The representation makes it clear that while some progress has been made on issues concerning gazetted officers, several important matters relating to employees continue to remain pending. The JCA has requested the CBDT to take immediate steps to resolve these issues and has cautioned that if meaningful progress is not achieved within a reasonable time, it may be compelled to revive its organisational programmes from 13 July 2026.
JCA Appreciates CBDT Leadership but Seeks Faster Action
At the outset, the JCA congratulated the Chairman, CBDT, on the continuity of leadership during an important phase of implementation of the Income Tax Act, 2025. According to the JCA, continuity in leadership is beneficial for the Department as it ensures stability during the transition to the new legislative framework and helps carry forward ongoing administrative reforms.
The JCA also acknowledged that its earlier decision to suspend agitation was taken in good faith after constructive discussions with the CBDT. However, it pointed out that despite positive assurances, many important employee-related issues are still awaiting final approval.
Cadre Review and Restructuring Remains a Major Concern
One of the most significant issues raised by the JCA is the Cadre Review and Restructuring Proposal. The organisation stated that although a part of the Sanjiv Singh Committee Report has been shared, important details such as the proposed cadre-wise staff strength are yet to be disclosed. Without complete information, it becomes difficult for employee representatives to provide meaningful suggestions.
The JCA has requested the CBDT to share the remaining portions of the report so that constructive discussions can take place. It has also reiterated its demand for maintaining a reasonable ACIT (Promotee): ITO ratio, which it considers essential for ensuring proper promotional avenues and balanced career progression.
Modification of Indian Revenue Service Rules
The JCA has requested the CBDT to reconsider the proposed amendments to the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Rules. It informed the Board that updated suggestions had already been submitted after recent developments and requested that the proposal presently pending with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) be recalled and revised after wider consultation with stakeholders.
Recruitment Rules Need Immediate Attention
Another important issue highlighted is the delay in finalising the Recruitment Rules (RRs) for various non-gazetted cadres.
According to the JCA, progress has been slow despite earlier assurances. It has requested the CBDT to accord priority to all pending amendments, including one-time relaxation for eligible employees awaiting promotion. The JCA has also reminded the Board that it had earlier agreed to resend certain Group ‘C’ Recruitment Rules to the DoPT, but the process has not yet commenced.
Restoration of Inter Charge Transfer (ICT) Policy
The JCA has expressed disappointment over the continued delay in restoring the Inter Charge Transfer (ICT) Policy.
According to the representation, no meaningful progress has been achieved on this issue, causing frustration among many employees waiting for transfer opportunities. The organisation has requested early restoration of the ICT policy to address genuine hardships faced by staff members.
Finalisation of Duties for Non-Gazetted Employees
The JCA has also raised the issue of defining the duties and responsibilities of non-gazetted employees.
It pointed out that despite repeated discussions, no concrete action has been taken so far. The organisation suggested that even if a comprehensive solution requires more time, interim measures should be introduced to provide immediate relief to employees.
Demand for Departmental Laptops
The availability of laptops continues to remain a major issue.
The JCA welcomed the approval stage under the latest laptop procurement policy but requested the CBDT to expedite the procurement process. It further urged the Board to extend laptop facilities to remaining categories such as Income Tax Inspectors (ITIs), Personal Secretaries (PS), and Administrative Officers (AOs), so that all eligible employees can benefit from digital working facilities.
Reporting Burden and Artificial Timelines
The representation also highlights the growing burden of repetitive reporting requirements imposed on field officers.
According to the JCA, officers continue to spend considerable time preparing multiple reports that often duplicate information already available within departmental systems. The organisation has requested the CBDT to introduce the proposed minimalist reporting framework and to sensitise senior officers regarding unnecessary reporting and unrealistic deadlines.
Implementation of Court Judgments
The JCA has requested the CBDT to implement favourable service-related judgments uniformly instead of compelling similarly placed employees to approach courts individually.
According to the representation, once a legal issue has been settled by the courts, the benefit should ordinarily be extended to all similarly situated employees without forcing them into avoidable litigation.
Publication of AIISL of Income Tax Officers
The organisation has also expressed concern regarding the delay in publication of the Draft All India Inter-se Seniority List (AIISL) of Income Tax Officers from 1 January 2014 onwards.
According to the JCA, the timeline agreed upon during the meeting held on 6 May 2026 has already expired. It believes that publication of the seniority list is essential for conducting regular promotions to the post of Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax (ACIT) and for filling the large number of vacancies in the ACIT/DCIT cadre.
Two New Issues Raised Before CBDT
Apart from the previously pending matters, the JCA has also requested the CBDT to address two additional issues.
The first relates to issuance of corrigendum transfer orders in the ACIT/DCIT and Addl. CIT/JCIT cadres where, according to the representation, certain transfer orders are alleged to be inconsistent with the transfer policy.
The second concerns amendments to the Departmental Examination Rules. The JCA has requested suitable modifications in accordance with the recommendations of the sub-committee constituted for examining the matter.
JCA Warns of Revival of Agitation
While expressing confidence in the leadership of the CBDT Chairman, the JCA has stated that the progress achieved after the meeting held on 6 May 2026 has not matched the expectations generated during those discussions.
The organisation has therefore conveyed that if meaningful progress is not made within a reasonable time, it may be compelled to revive its organisational programmes from 13 July 2026 in support of the legitimate rights and interests of employees. At the same time, it has expressed hope that timely intervention by the CBDT would help resolve the pending issues amicably and avoid any agitation.
Why This Development is Important
The issues raised by the JCA are significant because they directly affect thousands of employees and officers working in the Income Tax Department across the country. Matters such as cadre restructuring, recruitment rules, promotions, seniority, departmental infrastructure, transfer policy, and reduction of administrative workload have a direct impact on employee morale as well as the efficiency of tax administration.
The implementation of the Income Tax Act, 2025 has further increased the importance of timely administrative reforms. A motivated workforce, supported by modern infrastructure and clear service rules, is essential for ensuring effective taxpayer services and smooth implementation of the new law.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The latest representation by the Joint Council of Action reflects the growing concern among employees regarding unresolved service matters. While appreciating the positive initiatives already taken by the CBDT, the JCA has requested early decisions on several important issues that have remained pending for a considerable period.
With the organisation indicating the possibility of reviving agitation from 13 July 2026 if meaningful progress is not achieved, the coming weeks may be important for both the CBDT and employee organisations. It is expected that constructive dialogue will continue and that a mutually acceptable solution will be found in the interest of both the Department and its employees.
Source : Social Media and ITGOA
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