The Income-tax Department, Dimapur, under the aegis of the Office of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, North Eastern Region (NER), successfully organised an extensive Awareness Campaign on the New Income Tax Act, 2025 at Hotel Grand Maspel, Dimapur on 14th May, 2026 as part of the nationwide outreach initiative “PRARAMBH 2026.”
The campaign was aimed at educating taxpayers, stakeholders, and the general public on the provisions, reforms, and implementation framework of the newly introduced Income Tax Act, 2025, which came into effect from April 1, 2026.
The programme formed part of a broader regional outreach initiative following the Mega Outreach Event held in Guwahati on May 7, 2026. Similar awareness campaigns were simultaneously organised across major North Eastern cities including Shillong, Imphal, Aizawl, Itanagar, Agartala, and Dimapur, covering all states of the region. The Department also announced plans to extend such awareness initiatives to rural and remote areas to ensure last-mile dissemination of information and greater taxpayer inclusion. The Department stated that the primary objectives of the campaign were to create widespread awareness about the provisions of the new Act, help stakeholders understand the changes and the rationale behind them, and promote transparency, trust, and voluntary compliance through open dialogue.
The programme witnessed participation from senior officials of the Income Tax Department, tax professionals, and stakeholders from various sectors, media representatives, and members of the public.
The event commenced with a welcome and inaugural address by Commissioner of Income Tax, N. Jungio, who underscored the importance of taxpayer awareness for the smooth implementation of the new tax regime. He described the new Act as a modernised and simplified framework designed to make the taxation process easier, more accessible, and user-friendly. He further stated that the “PRARAMBH 2026” initiative was launched to create awareness across the country and facilitate a smooth transition from the old tax system to the new regime. “The Department aims to educate and engage stakeholders for better understanding and trust,” he added.
Detailed Presentations on Key Provisions by Senior Officers of the Department were delivered on various aspects of the New Income Tax Act, 2025. Where, Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), Imlimeren Jamir, delivered a presentation on “Introduction to the New Income Tax Act, 2025 and Income Tax Rules, 2026 – Simplification, Key Features and Overview, Taxpayer Initiatives and Useful Smarter Tools.” He highlighted the Government’s efforts to simplify tax laws, reduce procedural complexities, and improve taxpayer convenience through digital initiatives.
Commissioner of Income Tax (TDS), T. James Singson, spoke on “TDS Overview and Provisions in the Income Tax Act, 2025,” elaborating on updated tax deduction provisions and compliance requirements under the new law.
Deputy Director of Income Tax (I&CI), Upendro Nahakpam, delivered a presentation on “Statement of Financial Transactions (SFTs) in the Income Tax Act, 2025: Overview,” explaining reporting obligations and the role of financial transaction monitoring under the legislation.
Officials explained the major changes introduced in the new law with a strong emphasis on simplification, clarity, and taxpayer-friendly administration.
Promotion of AI-enabled “Kar Saathi” One of the major highlights of the programme was the promotion of “Kar Saathi,” an AI-enabled chatbot developed by the Income Tax Department to assist taxpayers with real-time responses to income tax-related queries.
A dedicated kiosk was also set up at the venue, allowing participants to experience the platform first-hand. Officials stated that the initiative reflects the Department’s commitment to leveraging technology to make taxpayer services more efficient and accessible.
The Department informed that information regarding the new Act is being disseminated through multiple channels including social media platforms, print media, and electronic media to ensure broader outreach across diverse sections of society.
During the programme, officials highlighted various taxpayer assistance resources developed under the initiative, including 12 comprehensive brochures written in simple and easy-to-understand language, guidance notes, FAQs, “Samvaad” video sessions featuring expert insights from officers involved in drafting the Income Tax Act, 2025, along with digital platforms such as “Kar Setu” and “Kar Saathi.” The Department informed that these materials are available online on the official Income Tax Department website and are also being provided in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility. Physical copies of brochures embedded with QR codes linking to digital content were also distributed at the venue.
The Department also stressed the importance of stakeholder feedback in strengthening its outreach initiatives. Participants were encouraged to share their views on the usefulness of educational materials, effectiveness of the “Samvaad” sessions, user experience with “Kar Saathi,” and the overall outreach efforts of the Department.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, Vinikupu H Arkha, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, participants, and organisers for their contributions towards the successful conduct of the event.
The Awareness Campaign marks a significant step towards fostering a transparent, inclusive, and taxpayer-friendly ecosystem in the North Eastern Region. The Department reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to the New Income Tax Act, 2025 through awareness, capacity building, and continuous stakeholder engagement, while working towards building a simpler, smarter, and more efficient tax system.
(Tovikali, IA,Dimapur)
