FBR Initiates Officer Selection for Cars and Cash Incentives

FBR Initiates Officer Selection for Cars and Cash Incentives

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has commenced the process of selecting officers from BS-17 and BS-18 ranks for the provision of cars and cash rewards, sources disclosed on Wednesday. This initiative aims to recognize and incentivize officers in the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) and Pakistan Customs Service (PCS) for their contributions under the ongoing transformation plan.

Interestingly, this move has sparked significant controversy, as field formations across the country have raised objections, rejecting the criteria established for the distribution of these rewards. According to insiders, the FBR has already approved the procurement of 1,010 Honda City vehicles, intended to be registered under the names of selected officials. However, the plan has been temporarily halted due to the backlash. Sources, however, insist that the scheme is merely delayed and will be implemented in the near future.

The discontent among field offices, particularly Regional Tax Offices (RTOs), has been palpable. Several RTO officials have directly addressed the FBR chairman, expressing their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as an inequitable reward scheme. In a letter to the chairman, RTO officials voiced their frustration, emphasizing that the scheme exclusively benefits cadre officers of grades 17-22 while entirely sidelining non-cadre officers and employees of grades 1-18.

The letter highlighted that this exclusionary approach has exacerbated an already growing sense of injustice within the organization. “Previously, undisclosed allowances were added to the monthly remuneration of CSPs, drawn directly from the common pool fund and deposited into their IBAN accounts,” the letter stated. “Now, this new reward scheme further marginalizes non-cadre employees, neglecting their hard work and dedication.”

The employees argue that this perceived favoritism is demoralizing and counterproductive, adversely affecting morale and overall productivity. They have called on the FBR to reconsider its decision and adopt an inclusive reward system that acknowledges the efforts of all employees, regardless of their cadre or grade.

Adding to the urgency, disillusioned officials have warned of a potential pen-down strike if their grievances remain unaddressed. Such a strike could paralyze critical tax collection operations, forcing the FBR to confront the underlying inequities in its reward policies. The officials stated, “This will expose the real workforce behind the organization’s success and reveal the inefficiencies of the privileged class that has been unfairly accommodated at the expense of others.”

As tensions escalate, all eyes remain on the FBR’s response to this mounting unrest within its ranks.