Introduction

Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi, has garnered significant political attention and controversy over the years. One of the recurring claims made by his supporters and critics alike centers around his alleged tenure as an IT (Income Tax) Commissioner. This article aims to debunk common misconceptions and set the record straight regarding his actual career in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

Clarification on Arvind Kejriwal's IRS Career

It is important to dispel the notion that Arvind Kejriwal ever served as an IT Commissioner. He was an esteemed member of the IRS, but his actual roles and career progression are much clearer when examined factually.

Kejriwal's Early Career in IRS

After completing his engineering from IIT Kharagpur, Arvind Kejriwal joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 1995 as an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax (IT). This was not a position of Commissioner as some might have assumed.

His career in the IRS continued to progress, and he moved up the ranks, being promoted to the position of Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in New Delhi in 2006. This, however, was not along the standard promotion path, as there was no promotion to the commissioner level during his tenure.

Reason for Resignation

Arvind Kejriwal resigned from his position as Joint Commissioner of Income Tax due to systemic corruption in the department. He left this office with a clear conscience, intending to fight corruption within the government system.

Myths and Facts

The claim that Arvind Kejriwal left the IT role to join the political field for self-glorification and to make crores from bribes is baseless and misleading. The IRS Association itself has refuted such claims, emphasizing that Kejriwal never worked as an IT Commissioner.

The hierarchy within the IRS is well-defined. Officers in the IRS are ranked as follows: Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, Commissioner of Income Tax, Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, and Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax. As an Assistant and Joint Commissioner, Kejriwal was well within the established rank structure.

Conclusion

The false claims regarding Arvind Kejriwal's role as an IT Commissioner serve to spread confusion and misinformation. The truth is that he was an Assistant and Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, but never a Commissioner. Resigning from his post, Kejriwal has consistently emphasized his commitment to fighting corruption and bringing about reform in governance.

It is imperative for his supporters to recognize the truth and refrain from spreading misinformation. Misleading statements not only undermine his credibility but also blur the focus on the real issues at hand.

Further reading and resources for those interested:

Arvind Kejriwal never worked as Income Tax Commissioner says IRS association IRS Association objects to Kejriwals statement on service threatens action IRS body hits out at Arvind Kejriwal - Times of India