<h1>Performance incentive awards recognise innovation in tax administration and reinforce tech-driven faceless assessment and grievance focus.</h1> The Finance Minister's Award scheme operates as a performance incentive recognising officers for innovative contributions to direct tax administration after a multi-layered selection process assessing quality and service standards. The Department emphasises technology-including a faceless system and artificial intelligence-to achieve non-discretionary tax collection, improve voluntary compliance and enhance taxpayer services. Operational priorities directed by the Finance Minister include expedited returns processing, faster refunds issuance and strengthened grievance redressal, reinforced by capacity building and a dedicated grievance-disposal week to accelerate resolutions.