The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has said that there is some report circulating on social media regarding suggestions by a few IRS officers on tackling COVID-19 situation.

It is unequivocally stated that CBDT never asked IRS Association or these officers to prepare such a report.  No permission was sought by the officers before going public with their personal views and suggestions on official matters, which is a violation of extant Conduct Rules. Necessary inquiry is being initiated in this matter.

It is reiterated that the impugned report does not reflect the official views of CBDT/Ministry of Finance in any manner.

Violation of conduct rules prompts disciplinary inquiry after unauthorized public statements contradict official position by officers. A press release clarifies that a circulated report by certain IRS officers was not requested by the Central Board of Direct Taxes, was published without prior permission in violation of Conduct Rules, and that a disciplinary inquiry has been initiated; the report does not reflect the official position.