Dr. Arunish Chawla, a seasoned IAS officer of the 1992 Bihar cadre, assumed the role of Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance on Thursday. A distinguished economist with a Master's and Doctorate from the London School of Economics, Chawla brings extensive expertise to this critical position.
Diverse Experience in Governance and Economics
Before his appointment as Revenue Secretary, Chawla served as the Secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers since November 1, 2023. His previous roles include:
- Managing Director of the Metro Rail Project, Patna.
- Senior Economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on deputation through the Department of Economic Affairs.
- Joint Secretary in the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
Immediate Challenges for the New Revenue Secretary
Dr. Chawla takes over the top revenue post just two weeks after his predecessor, Sanjay Malhotra, assumed charge as the RBI Governor. His immediate focus areas include:
1. Budget Deliberations and Tax Reforms
With the Union Budget 2025-26 on the horizon, Chawla will oversee deliberations on the proposed overhaul of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and the introduction of the much-anticipated Direct Tax Code (DTC). The DTC aims to simplify tax laws, reduce compliance burdens for individuals and corporates, and minimize litigation.
2. GST Rate and Slab Rationalisation
Another pressing task is the rationalisation of GST rates and slabs. The decision, deferred in the recent GST Council meeting on December 21, awaits recommendations from the Group of Ministers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has emphasized that rate rationalisation will be a comprehensive and holistic exercise.
A Vision for Simplified Taxation
As Revenue Secretary, Chawla's leadership is expected to steer significant reforms in India's tax landscape, fostering a more efficient and taxpayer-friendly system. The forthcoming budget will likely reflect these priorities, shaping the future of India's direct and indirect taxation policies.
Stay tuned for updates on Chawla's initiatives and their impact on the nation's fiscal framework
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