Only lawyers and chartered accountants will be allowed to represent parties before the National Tax Tribunal. Besides, the Chief Justice of India alone will decide on transfer of the members of the Tribunal.

Paving the way for such a move, the government on Wednesday gave its approval for promulgation of an Ordinance on the lines of the National Tax Tribunal (Amendment) Ordinance to amend the National Tax Tribunal Act, 2005.
 
The said Ordinance will be replaced by a Bill in the Budget Session of Parliament. As per the current rules, the party may appear in person or authorise anyone to appear on his behalf before the Tribunal.

This meant such a person need not be a legal practitioner or a CA. Also, currently, a three-member selection committee comprising the CJI, legal affairs secretary and revenue secretary could decide on the transfer of the Tribunal’s members by a majority.

The Tribunal adjudicates disputes regarding levy, assessment, collection and enforcement of direct taxes. It also adjudicates disputes with respect to determination of rates of duties of customs and central excise on goods and the valuation of goods for assessment of such duties. Besides, it also handles matters relating to levy of tax on service.

The Cabinet also gave its approval to promulgate the Ordinance for amending the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Act, 1998 to amend the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Act, 1998 in order to empower Central Government to set up such similar Institutes or its Centres in any part of the country.

This is in keeping in mind that the pharma sector has grown enormously to Rs 55,000 cr today. Therefore there is a huge demand for skilled people.