Centre Re-Appoints Ravi Agrawal as CBDT Chairman; ACC Clears Extension at the Helm of India’s Direct Tax Administration
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the re-appointment of Ravi Agrawal as the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), reaffirming the Centre’s confidence in his leadership of India’s apex direct tax administration.
The decision, cleared by the ACC, ensures continuity at the helm of the CBDT, the statutory body responsible for administering the country’s direct tax system and one of the most important institutions functioning under the Ministry of Finance.
The re-appointment comes at a time when the Income Tax Department continues to focus on tax reforms, greater voluntary compliance, technology-driven administration, digital transformation, widening of the tax base and improved taxpayer services.
ACC Approves Re-Appointment
According to the official order, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved Ravi Agrawal’s re-appointment as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
The approval enables him to continue leading the country’s highest policy-making body for direct taxes and oversee the functioning of the Income Tax Department.
The decision reflects the government’s emphasis on maintaining continuity in leadership while several key tax administration initiatives remain underway.
CBDT’s Role in India’s Tax Administration
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is the apex policy-making body responsible for the administration of direct taxes in India.
Functioning under the Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance, the Board plays a pivotal role in framing tax policies, implementing income tax laws and supervising the functioning of the Income Tax Department across the country.
Its key responsibilities include:
Administration of direct tax laws
Formulation of tax policy
Improving tax compliance
Strengthening taxpayer services
Digital transformation of tax administration
Combating tax evasion and black money
Simplifying tax procedures
Enhancing transparency and efficiency in tax governance
The Chairman of the CBDT serves as the administrative and policy head of the Board and provides strategic direction on matters relating to direct taxation.
Continuity in Leadership
Ravi Agrawal’s re-appointment is expected to ensure continuity in the implementation of ongoing tax reforms and modernisation initiatives.
Under the leadership of the CBDT, the Income Tax Department has been working towards expanding the taxpayer base, improving ease of compliance, promoting faceless and technology-enabled assessments, accelerating digital service delivery and strengthening data-driven tax administration.
The continuation of experienced leadership is also expected to support the government’s broader objective of making India’s tax administration more transparent, efficient and taxpayer-friendly.
With the ACC’s approval, Ravi Agrawal will continue to steer the country’s premier direct tax authority as it advances key policy initiatives and administrative reforms aimed at strengthening India’s fiscal framework.
