Nagpur, Apr 15 (PTI) The Income Tax Act, 2025 which came into force from April 1 is a historic step towards a modern, simple and transparent tax system, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said.

She was addressing the officer trainees at the valediction of the 78th batch of Indian Revenue Service at the National Academy of Direct taxes (NADT) here.

India is advancing rapidly towards realizing the goal of 'Viksit Bharat', and in such times, the administrative system and every institution associated with it bears an even greater responsibility of adopting the highest levels of efficiency and transparency and working with an inclusive approach, the president said.

Kautilya, the ancient Indian thinker, presented an eternal principle of governance in his 'Arthashastra' when he said that just as a bee collects honey from flowers without harming them, a ruler should collect taxes without imposing unnecessary burdens on the people.

This idea remains as relevant today, President Murmu said, adding that it teaches us that taxation is not merely a means of revenue collection but also a bridge of trust between the state and citizens. The tax system should be effective, just, sensitive, and balanced, she added.

She further said that in recent years, India's economic journey has been highly dynamic and inspiring. The continuous increase in direct tax collection, improvement in tax compliance, and expansion of the tax base indicate growing trust between citizens and the administration.

The Income Tax Act, 2025, effective from April 1, 2026, is a significant milestone in this transformative journey, Murmu said, adding that it is a historic step towards a modern, simple, and transparent tax system.

The trainee IRS officers will be the vanguard in implementing this new law, the president said, adding that its true success will be ensured only through its correct, transparent, and effective implementation and this important responsibility rests on their shoulders.

Their role is not limited to tax collection, but they are guardians of public trust and sentinels of justice and impartiality, she said.

In the past few years, there have been remarkable changes in India's tax administration system, the president said.

India is advancing towards making the international taxation system simpler and more accessible by participating in various bilateral and multilateral agreements, Murmu said, adding that this has also made it easier for multinational enterprises to do business in the country.

Young tax officers must always remember that humility, restraint, and sensitivity should be integral to their working style and it is their responsibility to strengthen public trust in the administrative system, the president said.

A just tax system is one that firmly prevents unfair practices and ensures respect for honest taxpayers, said Murmu.

She also underlined the importance of evidence-based policy making, and asked the young IRS officials to promote research in taxation.

Behind every income tax return filed by a citizen is a story of hard work, aspiration, and enterprise, and it is the duty of the tax officers to ensure that every citizen experiences respect and fairness, the president said. PTI CLS KRK

Modern tax administration under the Income Tax Act, 2025 stresses transparency, fairness, compliance, and taxpayer trust. The Income Tax Act, 2025, effective from April 1, 2026, is described as a significant step towards a modern, simple and transparent tax system. Taxation is presented as a bridge of trust between the State and citizens, requiring a system that is effective, just, sensitive and balanced, avoids unnecessary burdens, and respects honest taxpayers. The role of tax officers is to ensure correct, transparent and effective implementation.