Chalo Mumbai movement has culminated in the successful Convention at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai. It is heartening that probably for the first time we had participants from the vast stretch of areas like Amalapuam, Angul, Azamgarh, Berhampore, Bilaspur, Bokaro, Hardoi, Kankavali, Karauli, Kolhapur, Mainpuri, Parbhani, Raipur, Rewa, Rourkela, Sahajanpur, Sindhudurg, Una, Vijaywada, Vellore, Yavatmal etc. Bonding with the delegates from such a vast geographical expanse was enriching experience.

In the message in the Convention paper book, I have thanked each and every member connected with the Convention whether directly or indirectly. I need not repeat what I have stated in the message in the Convention souvenir.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the entire fraternity of AIFTP including the Past Presidents’ Collegium and the present President Dr. Ashok Saraf for reposing trust in me to be the President of this unique Association. Unique – because it’s the only National Association with 7,800 plus members of all genres of Tax Consultants, i.e. CA, Advocates and Tax practitioners. I am humbled and honoured assuming the Presidentship of this august Association.

Dr Ashok Saraf has been a successful President and the benchmark set by him is not easy to emulate. However, it would be my endeavour to ensure that I fulfil the faith and trust reposed in me.

AIFTP (Federation) is founded by the doyens of the profession with the golden objective of spreading education in the matters relating to tax laws, other laws and accountancy. So far, we have been successful in achieving the first objective of spreading knowledge of tax laws. However, we should also concentrate on spreading the knowledge of other laws as also accountancy. As for other laws, Insolvency and Bankruptcy code 2016, International Taxation Laws, the Competition Act 2002, the Customs Act etc. are few of the examples. These are the areas where our members can provide professional service in addition to Direct & Indirect Tax. The knowledge of other laws would include the general laws like Evidence Act, Limitation Act, General Clauses Act, Right to Information Act, etc.

I would like to add that expanding the area of education to the management and use of Information Technology tools for speedy and efficient professional service is also the need of the hour.

Holding two-day National Conference can happen only twice or thrice in a year. However, if we wish to spread the wings of the AIFTP, we will have to go to the smaller cities and towns. The ideal way to achieve this is to motivate the Zones to have Study Circle meetings, workshops on intricate issues, half-day or one-day seminar on the current burning topics. The aim should not be to gather the delegates in large numbers but to concentrate on imparting the knowledge to the smaller group of delegates (around 100 to 150) in interactive sessions. This would ensure the active participation of the delegates while providing insight of the subject.

Webinars on current topics saves the time, money and energy of the Members to travel to the venues for conferences and seminars. Our office is equipped with such IT enabled services. I wish to hold at least one webinar in a month. Such webinars also enable the participants to raise questions to the speakers. Live wire streaming of the study circles and Workshops would also help the Members situated in far-off places to actively participate in debates.

Our Association has been publishing books on various topics of direct and indirect taxes. In the Convention paper book we have given a list of about 41 books published under the banner of AIFTP. The latest one on GAAR – General Anti Avoidance Rules – was released on 14th December 2019 at the hands of Hon’ble Shri Justice Ujjal Bhuyan.

I would invite the interested members to contribute in designing, structuring and giving inputs / services for future publications. We can also have short publications which would cost around ` 100/- and would serve as ready reckoner on the subject covered by the publication.

The website of the Federation would be updated with the latest information on the Direct & Indirect Tax. With the help of Senior Past President, Dr. K. Shivram, Senior Advocate, we wish to start the online facility on Indirect Taxes akin to ITAT online under the Direct Taxes.

While the studies take care of wealth management, with my experience, I am aware of the fact that we, the professionals, are very poor in health management. The Zones holding seminars and conferences can ensure that at least 20 to 30 minutes are devoted to the discussion and lectures by eminent doctors / physical trainers on various day-to-day health issues / tips on fitness and healthy eating habits.

Friends, the list is unending – let us begin well to end well.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Enjoy your vacation with family and friends!

Nikita R. Badheka
National President-Elect, 
AIFTP

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