Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has taken a serious view of reports some officers of the Indian Revenue Service (Income-Tax) Mumbai Branch have passed a resolution against the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

In an official statement, the Ministry said this is an act of insubordination and officers indulging in acts of indiscipline will be subject to conduct rules.

“No government department has absolute autonomy. It has to serve the larger goal of the government. The supervisory powers of the next higher authority ensure that there is no misuse of power by anyone in the government,” the statement said.

Sources said the National Economic Forums and Indian Intellectuals Society are also very unhappy with this development.

They said Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia, whose administrative instructions and guidance are being questioned by the erring tax officials, is a honest and committed official and is spearheading reforms, simplification and eradication of corruption and harassment by the tax department.

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