Source: DD News
Subject: Economy
Context: The Government of India has launched PRARAMBH 2026, a nationwide awareness campaign to facilitate smooth implementation of the Income Tax Act, 2025 effective from 1 April 2026.
- It reflects a shift towards simplified, technology-driven and citizen-centric tax administration with digital tools like Website 2.0 and AI chatbot Kar Saathi.
About PRARAMBH 2026:
What it is?
- PRARAMBH 2026 (Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat) is a nationwide awareness and outreach campaign aimed at educating taxpayers about the provisions, rules, and compliance requirements of the new Income Tax Act, 2025.
Organisation Involved:
- Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue): Nodal authority framing policy and overseeing implementation of the new Income Tax Act, 2025.
- Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT): Apex body administering direct taxes and executing PRARAMBH outreach and reforms.
Aim:
- Ensures taxpayers and officials adapt seamlessly to updated provisions and compliance systems.
- Builds trust-based taxation where awareness reduces evasion and encourages honest reporting.
- Focuses on clarity, reduced disputes, and citizen-friendly processes in tax administration.
Key Features:
- Multimedia Outreach Campaign: Uses diverse media platforms to ensure wide and effective dissemination of tax-related information.
- Taxpayer Guidance Material: Provides simplified FAQs and tutorials to make complex provisions easily understandable.
- AI Chatbot ‘Kar Saathi’: Offers real-time, accessible assistance for taxpayer queries, reducing dependency on officials.
- Income Tax Website 2.0: Enhances user experience through better navigation, faster services, and improved interface.
- Multilingual Communication: Ensures inclusivity by delivering tax information in multiple regional languages.
- Capacity Building Workshops: Trains officials nationwide to ensure efficient and uniform implementation of the new Act.
- MyGov Engagement Initiatives: Encourages citizen participation through quizzes and digital awareness campaigns.
- Aaykar Seva Kendras Support: Provides physical help centres to assist taxpayers lacking digital access.
Significance:
- Simplification reduces ambiguity and disputes, encouraging taxpayers to comply voluntarily.
- Embodies Nagrik Devo Bhava by prioritising taxpayer convenience, trust, and service orientation.
