HYDERABAD, OCTOBER 26, 2025: The All India Income Tax Audit Conference – “Chintan Shivir” was held at Hyderabad, bringing together senior officers of the Income Tax Department from across the country. The event was chaired by Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), and co-chaired by Member (Audit & Judicial), CBDT, in presence of M.Anil Kumar, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, and Anand Baiwar, Director General of Income Tax ( Investigation )and Suresh Battini Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, The Conference was attended by the participants from all regions, including Jurisdictional Chief Commissioners and Principal Commissioners of Income Tax (Audit). The event was also graced by Monika Verma, Director General(Audit ) (CAG), New Delhi, and Hema Munivenkatappa, DGA (Central), Hyderabad.
The “Chintan Shivir” provided a national platform for introspection, dialogue, and innovation in strengthening the audit framework of the Income Tax Department. The deliberations centred around the theme “Strengthening Audit for Transparency, Efficiency and Accountability – Navigating the New Landscape”, focusing on improving audit quality, leveraging data analytics, and enhancing coordination between Revenue Audit, Internal Audit, and field formations. A series of panel discussions was conducted on key audit themes. These sessions facilitated the exchange of best practices and innovative ideas to enhance the quality, accuracy, and relevance of audit processes.
In his inaugural address, the Chairman, CBDT, emphasised that audit is an essential instrument for ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in tax administration. He announced that the period from 10th November to 10th December 2025 will be observed as a “Special Audit Drive” across all regions to focus on quality improvements, timely completion of audit processes, and systematic follow-up of audit findings
Key Highlights
The deliberations emphasised the adoption of risk-based and data-driven audit methodologies, improvement in quality assurance and internal controls, and strengthening of institutional coordination among various audit formations. The conference also underscored the importance of capacity building. The conference concluded with a roadmap to strengthen audit quality, leverage technology, and improve operational efficiency within the Department.
Concluding Remarks
In her concluding address, the Member (Audit & Judicial), CBDT, appreciated the valuable insights shared by participants and emphasised the need for continuous improvement in audit processes. She highlighted that an audit is not merely a post-assessment exercise but a critical feedback mechanism for strengthening compliance and governance within the Department.
She urged all field formations to translate the ideas discussed during the Conference into actionable steps and to actively participate in the forthcoming Special Audit Drive announced by the Hon’ble Chairman, CBDT. She also called for greater collaboration between Internal Audit, Revenue Audit, and functional units to ensure a cohesive and effective audit system.
Title Photo caption: M.Anil Kumar, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Suresh Battini Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Anand Baiwar, Director General of Income Tax ( Investigation), .G. Aparna Rao, Member (Audit & Judicial) of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Ravi Agrawal, IRS, Hon’ble Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT),
Monika Verma, Director General, Direct Tax (Audit), New Delhi, and
Hema Munivenkatappa Director General, Direct Tax (Audit – Central), Hyderabad
