I-T officers, staff threaten strike on Sep 9

The Income Tax gazetted officers and employees under the umbrella of Joint Council of Action have threatened to strike work on September 9, to protest delay in implementation of a 11-point charter of demands, pending with the Central Board of Direct Taxes.

The demands include a share of the Rs 196 crore (Rs 1.96 billion) incentive announced by the Government on excess tax collection in the form of Rs 500 as mobile phone reimbursement, implementation of grade pay of Rs 4,600 to inspectors, administrative officers and personal secretaries, a JCA press release said.

The JCA comprises Income Tax Employees Federation and Income and Gazetted Officers Association and claims representation of over 45,000 employees and 5,000 gazetted officers.

Some of the 11 demands are pending for implementation by the CBDT for over a year now, the release said, adding the changes as suggested by the Council should be put in place in the recently announced examination rules.

"Another important issue is the Examination rule, which was replaced by a new set of rules in the objective format. This was done in spite of the fact that already a draft rule, which the CBDT has approved is pending for implementation since 2004," the release said.

If the government fails to heed the Council's demand, it would be forced to go on an indefinite strike after September 9, the release said.