Autonomy, not abolishment, to bring positive change in FBR

ISLAMABAD: The government’s intention to abolish the tax machinery in case of failure to bring reforms is just a statement demonstrating his displeasure, but if his government wants to bring any change, the FBR must get full autonomy. Otherwise it remains a political rhetoric because the FBR can’t deliver any good unless it’s removed from the cruel clutches of political masters. How will it be possible to go against the will of political elite when everyone knows that the fate of FBR employees is in hands of those at the helm? If government is sincere in reforming the FBR, there is no other solution but to grant full autonomy to the FBR.The FBR with its existing structure cannot perform because they always see towards movers and shakers instead of implementing the law irrespective of political affiliations. There exist some extreme views on the fiscal front — abolish the FBR and establish a new entity. It will be a drastic move that will achieve nothing. The solution lies in granting autonomy to the FBR where the chairman and members, appointed on merit, will have full independence and constitutional guarantee for tenure security.These top men should have performance indicators and there must be an accountability mechanism within and after completion of their tenures. In the wake of dismal performance of the FBR on the revenue collection front, the tax machinery is bound to face massive shortfall of Rs300 to Rs350 billion during the current fiscal year. No one can stop this shortfall, as it can be termed a rolling stone coming down from steep mountains and it will reach its destination.In the last couple of decades, no good precedents were set in the FBR, as those officers who worked honestly and in a professional manner were penalised but those who were corrupt but strong in their networking at all levels were rewarded. So this trend needs to be reversed.There exist a few exceptions in the fold of the FBR, as they were honest from the core of their heart but they demonstrated efficiency and professionalism and never remained compliant, but they were not rewarded. They remained unsung heroes as they could not get promotions. Such cases communicated a message to their successors that non-compliance could not get top positions into the FBR hierarchy.In such scenario how could talented, honest officers perform? Now the government is considering coming up with four basic groups including economic/ taxation into CSS exams in order to get specialised workforce. But no reform could produce any result in existing structure of the FBR. Now is the ripe time for the government to solve these decade-old problems. The solution lies in granting full autonomy to the FBR.

from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2J3doU0