Income Tax Department Introduces Young Professional Scheme to Assist Officers in Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)
In a bid to bolster its resources and streamline tax litigation management, the Income Tax Department, under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has launched the Young Professional Scheme. This scheme aims to engage young graduates in Law and Accountancy on a full-time basis, providing valuable support to Departmental Officers across various benches of the Income Tax Appellate...
In a bid to bolster its resources and streamline tax litigation management, the Income Tax Department, under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has launched the Young Professional Scheme. This scheme aims to engage young graduates in Law and Accountancy on a full-time basis, providing valuable support to Departmental Officers across various benches of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) nationwide.
The Young Professional Scheme is designed to leverage the expertise and domain knowledge of talented young professionals. The selected candidates will work closely with departmental officers, assisting them in the preparation of cases that are scheduled for hearing in the Tribunals. Furthermore, these professionals will undertake crucial research and study assignments, focusing on critical areas of tax litigation to enhance the efficiency of litigation management.
The scheme has received approval for an initial period of two years, during which its effectiveness and impact will be evaluated for potential further extension. Notably, the execution of the scheme is decentralized, with the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (CCA) regions being responsible for its implementation.
As part of this engagement, the young professionals will receive a monthly remuneration of ₹40,000. The recruitment process will commence with advertisements inviting applications, set to conclude by August 25. A screening and selection committee will be constituted by August 31, and based on its recommendations, the selection process will be finalized by October 31. Following this, the topics for these professionals' assignments will be decided within the next month.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has communicated the allocation of young professionals across various regions. The Mumbai region will have the highest number of professionals, with 12 positions, followed by Delhi with 9, Gujarat with 5, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry with 4 each, and West Bengal and Sikkim with 4 positions.
To be eligible for the scheme, candidates must be law graduates, postgraduates, or Chartered Accountants below the age of 35 years. The selected professionals will enjoy 8 years of leave in a year as part of the engagement.
However, it's important to note that the engagement does not constitute a regular job or appointment within the Income Tax Department. The young professionals will not have the status of employees or enjoy any benefits typically accorded to government officials. Facilities such as Dearness Allowance (DA), accommodation, residential phone/conveyance/transport, foreign travel, personal staff, medical reimbursement, and Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) coverage will not be provided. Additionally, in the unfortunate event of death during the engagement period, no compensation will be paid.
File No. : M-13/ 146/2023-DIT(086MS)Delhi/110-136
Dated: 02.08.2023