Ravi Agrawal Appointed CBDT Chief, Succeeds Nitin Gupta

Ravi Agrawal Appointed CBDT Chief, Succeeds Nitin Gupta

Ravi Agrawal, a 1988-batch IRS officer, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). He succeeds Nitin Gupta, whose tenure ended on June 30, 2024. Agrawal's appointment extends until June 2025, with a possibility of reappointment on a contract basis to ensure continuity in the CBDT’s policy framework.

Background and Role

Previously serving as a member (administration) on the board, Agrawal’s extended tenure aims to oversee critical tax policy decisions and manage the upcoming Union government budgets in July 2024 and February 2025. His reappointment under special conditions underscores the significance of continuity in CBDT’s leadership.

Board Structure and Members

The CBDT is headed by a chairman and operates with six members of special secretary rank. Current members include Pragya Sahay Saksena, HBS Gill, Pravin Kumar, Sanjay Kumar, and Sanjay Kumar Verma, who retires on June 30, 2024.

Key Points About CBDT

• Function: CBDT administers direct taxes such as income tax, corporate tax, and wealth tax.
• Structure: Headed by a chairman, CBDT can have up to six members in the rank of special secretary.
• Policy Making: Responsible for formulating policies related to direct taxes and ensuring their implementation.
• Authority: Exercises control and supervision over the Income Tax Department.
• Tenure: Chairman and members are appointed by the government, with the chairman typically serving a fixed term.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who has been appointed as the new chairman of the CBDT?

   • A) Nitin Gupta
   • B) Ravi Agrawal
   • C) Pragya Sahay Saksena
   • D) HBS Gill

   Answer: B) Ravi Agrawal

2. When did Nitin Gupta's tenure as CBDT chairman end?

   • A) May 31, 2024
   • B) June 30, 2024
   • C) July 1, 2024
   • D) August 31, 2024

   Answer: B) June 30, 2024

3. Until when is Ravi Agrawal’s current appointment as CBDT chairman?

   • A) December 2024
   • B) March 2025
   • C) June 2025
   • D) September 2025

   Answer: C) June 2025

4. What role did Ravi Agrawal previously serve in the CBDT?

   • A) Member (administration)
   • B) Member (policy)
   • C) Member (finance)
   • D) Member (operations)

   Answer: A) Member (administration)

5. How many members, including the chairman, can the CBDT have?

   • A) Four
   • B) Five
   • C) Six
   • D) Seven

   Answer: D) Seven

6. Which member of the CBDT is retiring on June 30, 2024?

   • A) Pragya Sahay Saksena
   • B) HBS Gill
   • C) Pravin Kumar
   • D) Sanjay Kumar Verma

   Answer: D) Sanjay Kumar Verma

7. What are some of the taxes administered by the CBDT?

   • A) Sales tax and VAT
   • B) Income tax and corporate tax
   • C) GST and excise duty
   • D) Customs duty and service tax

   Answer: B) Income tax and corporate tax

8. Who appoints the chairman and members of the CBDT?

   • A) Parliament
   • B) Prime Minister
   • C) Government
   • D) Finance Minister

   Answer: C) Government