Bhubaneswar:The Income Tax Department, Odisha observed the 165th Income Tax Day, 2024 on July 24th. The day commenced with the telecast of message of the CBDT’s Chairman Shri Ravi Agarwal. The function was organised at Jayadev Bhawan, Ashok Nagar, Bhubanewar. The Pr. Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Odisha Region, Bhubaneswar Sri Vir Birsa Ekka, IRS presided over this programme. Dr. Sarita Mishra Kolhe, Pr.CIT, Sambalpur delivered the welcome speech and greeted the guests. This programme was attended by employees of the department, tax payers and other stakeholders.

Income Tax Day, also known as Aaykar Diwas, is celebrated by Income Tax Department every year on 24th July. The day is celebrated on 24th July as it was on this day in 1860 when Sir James Wilson introduced Income Tax for the first time in India.
During the course of the program, acknowledging the valuable contribution of the taxpayers towards nation building and growth, Taxpayers’ Award was given to five assesses, across different categories.
The week preceding the Aaykar Diwas 2024 has been marked by various activities, undertaken by the department. An outreach programme was organized at the Govt Primary School, at 2nd Postal Colony, Bhubaneswar. A plantation drive was carried out in the premises of the school.
A drawing competition was organised for the wards of the departmental employees to encourage the young mind. The theme of the said competition was ‘Mere Sapnon ka Bharat (India of my Dreams)’. The winners of the said competition were suitably awarded during the course of the programme.
Congratulating the Income Tax fraternity for its transformational contribution in the progress and development of the nation, the Pr. Chief Commissioner expressed happiness that income tax collection in Odisha has a significant role in direct tax collections. In last three years, the tax base as well as the gross revenue collection has increased significantly. The Pr. CCIT has also felicitated its employees for their meritorious service and distributed certificate of excellence to them.
Cultural activities such as Odissi Dance and Sambalpuri folk dance were performed by cultural troupes during the programme.