Paperman Media (Bhubaneswar)- In a significant step towards fostering transparency and taxpayer awareness, the Office of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Odisha Region, Bhubaneswar, organized the Mega Outreach Programme “Prarambh-2026” on June 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM. The programme was convened to promote informed discourse on the salient provisions of the Income Tax Act, 2025, which came into force on April 1, 2026.
Conceived as a flagship taxpayer-centric initiative, “Prarambh-2026” sought to acquaint stakeholders with the transformative reforms and simplified framework embedded in the new legislation. The Income Tax Act, 2025 ushers in a streamlined, contemporary, and coherent tax code designed to reduce compliance burden, consolidate fragmented provisions, and articulate definitions with greater clarity. By recasting existing tax policy into a more logical, accessible, and reader-friendly statute, the Act aims to advance ease of doing business and reinforce the culture of voluntary compliance.
The event drew an august gathering of eminent personalities from across Odisha, along with a diverse spectrum of stakeholders comprising academicians, representatives of Public Sector Undertakings, government organizations, trade and industry bodies, tax professionals, and senior functionaries from premier educational institutions.
Proceedings commenced with a soulful rendition of _Vande Mataram_, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and _Saraswati Vandana_. Delivering the welcome address, Dr. D. Sudhakara Rao, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Odisha, reaffirmed the Department’s unwavering commitment to transparent governance, constructive stakeholder engagement, and the seamless transition to the new tax regime.
Smt. G. Aparna Rao, Member (Tax Payer Services & Revenue), Central Board of Direct Taxes, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Lauding the Department’s marked improvement in citizen-centric service delivery, she reiterated its resolve to place taxpayer services at the forefront. She directed officers to accord the highest priority to grievance redressal and to constitute dedicated teams for prompt resolution of taxpayer issues, supported by sustained outreach programmes throughout the Odisha region.
The programme was further distinguished by the presence of Padma Vibhushan Shri Sudarshan Sahoo, Padma Shri Ms. Sabarmatee, and Padma Shri Prof. Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra as Guests of Honour, who shared profound insights and commended the Department’s proactive approach to stakeholder education.
The technical session was anchored by Dr. G. M. Doss, CCIT (Retd.), who delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Income Tax Act, 2025. He elucidated key reforms aimed at simplifying tax administration, enhancing ease of compliance, and embedding greater transparency within the tax ecosystem. The ensuing interactive session provided a vibrant forum for participants to articulate views, offer suggestions, and raise practical concerns pertaining to the implementation of the Income Tax Act, 2025 and the Income Tax Rules, 2026.
The programme culminated with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri Arup Chatterjee, Commissioner of Income Tax (TDS), Bhubaneswar, followed by the National Anthem.
The Income Tax Department is confident that such sustained engagements will deepen public trust, amplify awareness, and facilitate effective implementation of the reforms enshrined in the new law. The Department remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing a taxpayer-friendly environment through continuous outreach, education, and meaningful dialogue with all segments of society.
