Recent promotions of 200 personnel in the income tax officer (ITO) cadre to rank of assistant commissioner is set to result in large-scale reshuffle in the department. This has also led to discontent among the employees.

As a part of regular policy, the promotees will be transferred to other stations. This can also lead to a virtual swap of employees between different stations. For example, an officer in Mumbai is promoted to the next position. But, even if there is a post for that rank here, it shall go to a person coming from another centre. The officer from Nagpur can hold the same charge but in a different location.

The unions have raised an objection against the move. The Income Tax Gazetted officers Association has written to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) demanding that officers should be transferred out of their home stations only if there are no vacancies there.

The promotions have come in mid career for many ITOs several of who are in their 50s. They are complaining that it may be difficult to shift. The promotions have been late by 4 to 5 years since they were due, making it worse they say.

Source say that the large-scale transfers will not only lead to inconvenience to the employees but a substantial financial outgo for the department. Each employee has to be paid transfer allowance, actual expenditure for shifting goods and air ticket for the entire family.

With all the assistant commissioners clubbed, it comes to a substantial amount which can go further if the same number of deputy commissioners to be transferred is also clubbed.