Hyderabad: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Friday said an “honest taxpayer” is the “true architect” of India, while highlighting the role of tax compliance in public welfare and development.
Addressing the 167th income-tax day celebrations organised by the income-tax department (AP and Telangana region) in Banjara Hills, the Governor also lauded the department’s digital transformation, stating that it had improved efficiency.
Referring to Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsa, he cited a verse to underline principles of taxation and fiscal prudence. Quoting the sloka, “Just as the sun draws moisture from the earth only to return it a thousandfold in the form of rain, a righteous ruler collects taxes from his subjects solely to return that wealth for their ultimate welfare and prosperity,” he said, “This is the soul of present democratic welfare state.”
Emphasising the role of taxpayers, he said tax payment was not only for “nation building” but also the “biggest sacrifice”. “One should remember the contribution of an honest taxpayer when you see an army man protecting the border while holding modern weaponry or a well-built road leading to a village or the space expeditions of Chandrayaan or Gaganyaan,” he said. He added that the AP and Telangana region was strengthening the national exchequer and contributing to development in remote areas.
K.V. Chowdary, former Central Vigilance Commissioner and former chairman of CBDT, said there had been steady growth in PAN issuance, faster processing of refunds and the introduction of pre-filled income tax returns, which had simplified compliance. He also suggested expediting disposal of appellate proceedings by facilitating early hearings to reduce pendency.
Battini Suresh, principal chief commissioner of income-tax (AP & Telangana), outlined the department’s digital initiatives, tax collections, taxpayer-focused reforms and implementation of the Income-Tax Act, 2025. He said the department would continue to focus on transparency, voluntary compliance and technology-driven taxpayer services.
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