LAHORE, Sept 25: The Finance Division has been denying promotions to the income tax inspectors since 1983 according to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Federal Revenue Alliance Union.

“Inspectors in other federal government departments are now in BS-16, but those in income tax have been working in BS-14 while class-IV employees have not been promoted in any department,” said union central president Mian Abdul Qayyum in a statement.

The government, he said, had been spending millions of rupees on high-ranking officers while constantly ignoring the lower staff who actually collect revenue. The promotion of income tax inspectors would not cost much to the exchequer as only Rs300 to Rs500 would be added to their salaries.

“The FBR inspectors and class-IV employees are being forced to take to the streets. If their demand is not considered seriously they would go on an indefinite strike. Denial of promotion is a violation of the Supreme Court orders and the Finance Division is the main obstacle in this regard.

The Federal Service Tribunal also passed orders against the then Central Board of Revenue, directing the department to give the inspectors their due promotions with immediate effect,” he said.