The unique initiative of creating an income-tax (I-T) fair to file returns at Palace Grounds has attracted a huge crowd. 

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) chairman SSN Moorthy came on a surprise visit on Sunday at the fair and patted the backs of regional IT officers for their good work.

So far, over 2 lakh people have filed their returns at the special counters. The hassle of standing in long, unending queues is a thing of the past. Now, taxpayers are enjoying the food as well as the greenery while filing their I-T returns.

There are 90 counters, food court, photocopy facilities and special counters for physically challenged persons and senior citizens.

"We've similar independent counters at Pragati Maidan in Delhi and in Chennai. The feedback I got from Bangalore is that people are finding the process comfortable and quick. Huge crowds are coming but customers don't seem to be upset. We're gradually implementing new measures," Moorthy said. There are many helpdesks too.

"Nearly 35,000 people came yesterday and today. The rush will increase considerably in the last three days. We're hoping to receive 48,000 people per day. There will be arrangements for the special staff to deal with the crowd," said I-T department special commissioner B Arullappa.

Apart from the 90 counters, there are tax returns payers (TRPs) to assist in filing forms. Range 14, which is for private companies, is divided alphabetically according to name of firms. Employees can, therefore, locate their counters easily.

A similar setup is there for Range 13, which is for state and central government employees. Range 15 is for pensioners, LIC, banks, educational institutes and hospitals.

Nearly 200 I-T department employees are manning the counters. A big LCD screen has also been placed to show tax calculations.