Srinagar, July 24, 2025: As part of the observance of Income Tax Day, the Income Tax Department, Srinagar, under the aegis of the Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh), Shri Vikram Sahay, IRS (1992 batch), organized an Income Tax Awareness Program at Dak Bungalow, Sopore. The program was aimed to promote voluntary tax compliance, dissemination of information regarding the importance of taxation, and address taxpayers concerns.
While addressing the gathering, Shri Sahay emphasized the role of taxation in national development and urged taxpayers to ensure timely compliance and correct declarations. Reaffirming the department’s commitment to a taxpayer friendly approach, he assured speedy grievance redressal and increased outreach through similar awareness initiatives in the future.
The event witnessed participation from over 100 local traders, tax professionals, members of Sopore Traders Association, Income Tax Bar Association, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Kashmir Chapter), and other trade bodies. Officers from the District Administration Baramulla and Police Administration Sopore also extended active support for the successful conduct of the program.
A concise presentation on income tax provisions was delivered by Shri Abhineet Jhorar, Income Tax Officer, Srinagar, followed by an interactive Q&A session that facilitated better understanding of key tax-related issues among attendees.
The awareness program was led by a team of senior officers from the Income Tax Department, Srinagar, including Shri Farhat Khan, Commissioner of Income Tax; Dr. Ruveda Salam, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax; Shri Shakil Ahmad Ganie, Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax; Shri Moin Siddiqui and Shri Vimal Madan, Income Tax Officers, Srinagar; and Shri Gulzar Ahmad, ITO (TDS), Srinagar.
Shri Shabir Ahmad Raina, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sopore, was also present on the occasion and played a pivotal role in facilitating the event.
Representatives of Sopore’s trade bodies appreciated the department’s efforts and expressed the need for more such awareness programs to foster a positive and informed ecosystem around taxation in the region.
Shri Sahay concluded by reiterating the department’s focus on facilitating compliance and building trust through sustained engagement and education across the Kashmir Valley.
