In a strong message underscoring the role of revenue administration in nation-building, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged young officers of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes) to ensure that tax collection in India becomes a seamless process that causes the least possible inconvenience to taxpayers.
Addressing the probationers at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that while revenue mobilisation is essential for national development, it must be anchored in fairness, transparency, and technology-driven systems.
‘Collect taxes like a honeybee’
Emphasising the ethical dimension of taxation, President Murmu invoked the Arthashastra, quoting Chanakya’s principle that a state should collect taxes like a honeybee—taking only what is necessary while ensuring the taxpayer continues to flourish.
“This revenue funds our roads, schools, hospitals, welfare schemes, and aspirations. You are active participants in India’s nation-building process. But tax collection should be smooth and should cause minimum discomfort to taxpayers,” she said.
GST reforms a ‘landmark shift’
Highlighting the significance of the Goods and Services Tax reforms introduced in September this year, the President said the changes represent a major milestone in restructuring India’s taxation landscape.
“These reforms are designed to promote entrepreneurship, job creation, and affordable living. They strengthen India’s vision of inclusive growth, sustainability, and empowerment of the next generation,” she noted.
‘Be sentinels of economic frontiers’
President Murmu reminded the officer trainees that the IRS carries multifaceted responsibilities — as administrators, investigators, trade facilitators, and law enforcers.
“You are the sentinels of India’s economic frontiers, protecting the country against smuggling, financial fraud, and illicit trade, while simultaneously enabling legitimate commerce and fostering global trade partnerships,” she said.
She stressed that their work requires striking a fine balance between enforcement and facilitation, between maintaining compliance and supporting economic expansion.
Build transparent, accountable, tech-driven systems
Calling for a modern, data-centric approach to tax administration, the President said integrity, fairness, and professionalism must define their conduct.
“I urge you to embrace data-driven decision-making, automation, and digital governance to make tax administration more efficient and citizen-friendly,” she said.
She further advised the trainees to constantly update their knowledge and remain agile in a rapidly changing global environment shaped by technological disruption, evolving trade practices, and shifting economic dynamics.
Role crucial in India’s march toward 2047
The President told the young officers that they are key stakeholders in achieving the national vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.
“You have an integral role in realising the dream of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by providing a stable, fair, and facilitative tax ecosystem that encourages compliance, investment, and entrepreneurship,” she said.
The interaction at Rashtrapati Bhavan concluded with the President encouraging the trainees to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and service to the nation as they prepare to join the frontline of India’s revenue administration.
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