ISLAMABAD: An Inland Revenue inspector of the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Bahawalpur, deputed at a sweet shop to monitor production/sales, was caught while verifying over 100 FBR-sales tax invoices from the same point of sales (POS) ID/terminal, for winning prizes on the FBR’s lucky draw (POS Invoicing Prize Scheme).

The inspector misused his authority for purpose of enhancing the chances to win a prize on the lucky draw.

The FBR’s notification issued on Monday revealed that the disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Muhammad Akram, Inspector-IR (BS-16), RTO, Bahawalpur under E&D Rules, 2020 vide charge sheet/statement of allegations dated 01.03.2022 on the following charges:- While he deputed on duty/assignment with respect to 40B of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 on the business premises of M/s Haji Rasheed Sweet Shop, Bahawalpur, he and his spouse each verified more than 100 invoices from the same POS ID/terminal, thus, misused the authority for purpose of enhancing chances to win a prize on the lucky draw.

Attiya Rahman, additional commissioner-IR, RTO, Bahawalpur was appointed as inquiry officer vide order of inquiry. She submitted an inquiry report with the findings that accused Muhammad Akram seems to have misused the authority for the purpose of enhancing chances to win a prize on the lucky draw. Inquiry Officer recommended imposing minor penalty of “Censure” upon the accused Inspector-IR under rule 4(2)(a) of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.

Based on the findings of inquiry officer, a show-cause notice was served upon the accused officer. He was also advised to state as to whether or not he wishes to be heard in person. The accused Inspector-IR submitted a reply to the show cause notice on 10.05.2022 and denied the charge leveled against him. However, he did not request for a personal hearing.

The Member (Admin/HR)/Authority having considered all aspects of the case, inquiry report and reply to the show cause notice, observed that the accused officer was guilty of “misconduct”. The authority, therefore, agreed with the recommendations of the inquiry officer and imposed a minor penalty of “censure” upon Muhammad Akram, Inspector-IR, RTO, Bahawalpur under Rule 4(2)(a) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020, the FBR order added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022

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