The Joint Council of Action (JCA), comprising the Income Tax Employees Federation (ITEF) and the Income Tax Gazetted Officers’ Association (ITGOA), has written to the Hon’ble Secretary, Department of Revenue, seeking urgent intervention for the resolution of several long-pending issues affecting Income Tax employees across the country. In its letter dated 20 June 2026, the JCA expressed concern over the delay in implementation of various proposals despite earlier assurances and warned that organizational programmes and agitation may be revived in the first week of July 2026 if meaningful progress is not achieved.
Background
The JCA acknowledged the intervention of the Revenue Secretary, who had convened a meeting on 28 April 2026 to discuss employee issues. Following this meeting, the Chairman, CBDT held discussions on pending matters and issued minutes on 11 May 2026. Considering the positive assurances recorded in the minutes, the JCA had suspended its agitation programme till 15 June 2026 in anticipation of progress on the issues raised.
However, according to the JCA, several important matters concerning employees are still awaiting final approval despite being under consideration for a considerable period.
Concerns Regarding New Examination Rules
The JCA has also expressed dissatisfaction over the recently notified Departmental Examination Rules. According to the letter, a committee constituted by CBDT had submitted its recommendations after detailed discussions in which JCA representatives participated. However, the notified rules allegedly contain substantial modifications that were neither discussed nor shared with employee representatives before notification.
The matter was subsequently taken up with Member (Administration) and Pr. DGIT (HRD), and a formal meeting was held on 19 June 2026. The JCA has stated that it remains hopeful that suitable modifications or corrigenda may be issued after considering the concerns raised.
Key Issues Raised by JCA
The JCA has requested immediate action on the following issues:
1. Cadre Review and Restructuring
- Early finalization of the Cadre Review and Restructuring proposal.
2. IRS Recruitment Rules
- Modification of Indian Revenue Service Recruitment Rules.
3. Amendments to Recruitment Rules for Non-Gazetted Cadres
- Revision of promotion ratio between Office Superintendent and Stenographer Grade-I for promotion to Inspector.
- Consideration of all eligible Tax Assistants for promotion to Office Superintendent for Recruitment Year 2027.
- Consideration of eligible MTS, Notice Servers and LDCs for promotion to Tax Assistant.
- Relaxation/modification of eligibility conditions for promotion to Office Superintendent.
4. Restoration of Inter-Charge Transfer (ICT) Policy
- Restoration of ICT policy in line with the recommendations of the committee constituted by CBDT.
5. Rationalization of Duties
- Finalization of duties and responsibilities of non-gazetted employees in the present digital work environment and appropriate mapping in ITBA and other modules.
6. Laptop Provision
- Supply of laptops to newly promoted Income Tax Officers.
- Replacement of old laptops for existing allottees.
- Extension of laptop facilities to Inspectors as per approved policy.
7. Reduction of Excessive Reporting Requirements
- Discontinuation of repetitive reporting requirements and unrealistic scrutiny deadlines.
Possibility of Revival of Agitation
While reiterating its commitment to the Government and the efficient functioning of the Department, the JCA has stated that if genuine employee grievances remain unresolved and no meaningful progress is made within a reasonable time, it may be compelled to revive organizational programmes and agitation during the first week of July 2026.
Conclusion
The latest communication from the JCA highlights the growing concern among Income Tax employees regarding delays in cadre restructuring, promotions, recruitment rules, ICT policy restoration, modernization of infrastructure, and working conditions. The coming weeks will be important as employees await further action from the Department of Revenue and CBDT on these long-pending.
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