
The Chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) plays a crucial role in India's tax administration.
The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government, with the approval of the President of India, for a term not exceeding five years.
The Chairperson is responsible for overseeing the implementation of tax policies and ensuring compliance with tax laws.
The CBDT is headed by the Chairperson, who is assisted by a team of senior officials, including the Members of the CBDT.
What Is the CBDT?
The Central Board of Direct Taxes, or CBDT, is a statutory body under the Central Government of India.
The CBDT is responsible for administering the Direct Taxes Law in India, which includes income tax and other taxes.
It was established in 1963, after the reorganization of the Income-tax Department.
The CBDT is headquartered in New Delhi, India.
The CBDT's main function is to frame and implement tax policies for the country.
It is also responsible for providing administrative support to the Income-tax Department.
The CBDT has a Chairman who is the head of the organization.
The Chairman is appointed by the Central Government of India.
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History of CBDT

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has a rich history that spans over five decades. Its first chairperson was Jamuna Prasad Singh, who held the position from 1964 to 1967.
The CBDT has had a total of 45 chairpersons since its inception. The first woman to hold the position was Shobha Majumdar, who served from 2004 to 2005.
The CBDT chairperson plays a crucial role in shaping the country's tax policies and ensuring that they are implemented effectively. The chairperson is also responsible for overseeing the work of the Income Tax Department and ensuring that it functions efficiently.
Here's a list of some of the notable chairpersons of the CBDT:
- Jamuna Prasad Singh (1964-1967)
- Shobha Majumdar (2004-2005)
- M M Kherawala (2006)
- Indira Bhargawa (2006-2007)
- Sushil Chandra (2016-2019)
- Pramod Chandra Mody (2019-2021)
- Jagannath Bidyadhar Mahapatra (2021-2022)
- Nitin Gupta (2022-present)
The CBDT chairperson has also had a significant impact on the country's tax policies. For instance, the chairperson has been involved in various committees and panels that have shaped the country's tax laws.
List of CBDT Chairpersons
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has had a long line of chairpersons since its inception in 1964. The first ever CBDT chairman was Jamuna Prasad Singh, who held the position from 1964 to 1967.
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Jamuna Prasad Singh's tenure marked the beginning of a legacy of dedicated leaders who have shaped the CBDT into what it is today. One notable chairperson is Shobha Majumdar, who made history as the first woman to hold the position in 2004.
Shobha Majumdar's appointment was a significant milestone for the CBDT, and she paved the way for other women to follow in her footsteps. Another trailblazer is Indira Bhargawa, who became the third woman to chair the CBDT in 2006.
The CBDT has also had its fair share of long-serving chairpersons. Pramod Chandra Mody holds the record for the longest-serving chairman since 2019, serving until 2021. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to the board.
Here is a list of some of the notable chairpersons of the CBDT:
The CBDT has come a long way since its inception, and its chairpersons have played a crucial role in shaping the board's policies and direction.
Appointment and Functions

The Chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) plays a crucial role in the administration of the Income Tax department. The President of India appoints the Chairperson through an office order.
Dr. Poonam Kishore Saxena was appointed as the Chairperson of the CBDT in 2012, with a pay scale of Rs. 80,000 (fixed) and the status of Special Secretary to the Government of India.
The Chairperson has several key functions, including handling senior appointments, transfer and posting of officers, and ensuring the implementation of cabinet decisions. They also provide advice to the Finance Minister of India and oversee public grievances.
Here are some of the key functions of the Chairperson, as outlined in the official order:
- Administrative plan of IT department.
- Act as an advisor and conscience keeper to the IRS.
- Handle senior appointments.
- Transfer and posting of officers in the cadre of Chief Commissioner of Income Tax and Commissioner of Income Tax.
- Foreign tax except cases under section 80-0 of the Income Tax Act 1961 and matters involved in Tax Research Division.
- To ensure whether the decisions of the cabinet are implemented or not.
- Seek advice from the Finance Minister of India.
- All matters relating to Central and Regional Direct Taxes Advisory Committees and Consultative Committee of Parliament.
- Public Grievances.
- Provide an element of continuity and stability to the administration during the crisis.
Appointment of CBDT
The appointment of the Chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is a significant event in the Indian taxation system. Dr. Poonam Kishore Saxena was appointed as the Chairperson of the CBDT in 2012, with a pay scale of Rs. 80,000 (fixed) and the status of Special Secretary to the Government of India.

The Ministry of Finance issues office orders to announce the appointment of the CBDT Chairperson. For example, Office Order No. 347/2012 dated 21.8.2012 appointed Dr. Poonam Saxena to the position.
Over the years, several individuals have held the position of CBDT Chairperson. The list of chairpersons since 1964 is extensive, with notable names including Sushil Chandra, Rani Singh Nair, and Pramod Chandra Modi.
Here is a list of some of the recent CBDT Chairpersons:
The appointment of the CBDT Chairperson is a crucial decision that impacts the functioning of the Income Tax Department.
Functions of
The Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has a wide range of functions. They are responsible for the administrative plan of the IT department.
One of the key roles of the Chairman is to act as an advisor and conscience keeper to the IRS. This involves providing guidance and support to help make informed decisions.

The Chairman also handles senior appointments, including the transfer and posting of officers in the cadre of Chief Commissioner of Income Tax and Commissioner of Income Tax.
In addition to these responsibilities, the Chairman oversees foreign tax matters, except in cases under section 80-0 of the Income Tax Act 1961. This involves ensuring that foreign tax laws are being followed correctly.
The Chairman also ensures that the decisions of the cabinet are implemented and seeks advice from the Finance Minister of India. This helps to maintain a smooth and effective administration.
Here is a summary of the key functions of the Chairman:
- Administrative plan of IT department
- Act as an advisor and conscience keeper to the IRS
- Handle senior appointments
- Transfer and posting of officers in the cadre of Chief Commissioner of Income Tax and Commissioner of Income Tax
- Foreign tax except cases under section 80-0 of the Income Tax Act 1961
- Ensure cabinet decisions are implemented
- Seek advice from the Finance Minister of India
- All matters relating to Central and Regional Direct Taxes Advisory Committees and Consultative Committee of Parliament
- Public Grievances
- Provide continuity and stability to the administration
Chairperson of CBDT
The Chairperson of CBDT has been a key position since the inception of the board. The first Chairperson was Jamuna Prasad Singh, who served from 1964 to 1967.
Since then, many individuals have held this position, with some notable ones including S A I Navapna Raw, who served from 1967 to 1968, and K S Sundara Rajan, who went on to become Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat.
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Here's a list of some of the notable Chairpersons:
The list of Chairpersons is quite long, but it's interesting to note that some of them have held other notable positions in the government or other regulatory bodies.
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