The Federal Board of Revenue has decided to implement a new strategy 'Automation Reform Initiative' for smooth interconnectivity of three key IT systems - Integrated Tax Management System (ITMS), Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC) and 'One-Window' across the country.
Sources told Business Recorder here on Tuesday that the FBR is likely to appoint Dr Jawwad Uwais Agha, Collector Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Exports, Custom House, Karachi to hold the additional charge of project director WeBOC and Project Co-ordinator 'Integrated Tax Management as well as 'One-Window', in addition to his existing duty. This requires approval of the Board of Directors of the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (Pral) in its upcoming meeting.
Under the 'Automation Reform Initiative', sources said the achievement of three major projects ie 'WeBOC', 'ITMS' and 'Win-One initiative' (Window-One) have been identified where full-fledged implementation is required. The countrywide rollout of the 'WeBOC' is necessary for clearance of the imported consignments on regular basis. The 'ITMS' would allow all domestic taxes to have real time online processing/analysis of transactions. The accessibility would go a long way in subverting leakages and ensuring due tax collection. In case of 'One-Window' initiative, this internationally compatible utility has been recognised across the world. Under 'One-Window', investors and businessmen can easily deal with all government organisations at one centralised point. It is being practised/used and developed in states across the globe to allow all stakeholders online interactive access for harnessing required information in soft form and recording their respective transaction.
To have co-ordination among these IT projects, it is proposed that an officer with a varied experience of taxes having practically proven skills in ICT development/implementation from concept strategies to sustainable functioning coupled with professional multiple know-how and stakeholder co-ordination capabilities/client focus would be some of the key skills to be looked for. The availability of international experience and project management skills would be an ideal combination for success of the FBR initiative.
Sources said that an exercise has been ongoing to hunt and interview such professionals and Dr Jawwad Uwais Agha, recently posted as Collector, MCC, Exports, Karachi Custom House, has been identified as the only suitable candidate meeting the multifaceted Board's expectations. The FBR may without disturbing his present position, approve his selection to head and run the multi-pronged job including project director WeBOC, Project Co-ordinator 'ITMS' and Project Co-ordinator 'Win One' (Window One). The tasks would be in addition to his assignment as Collector MCC, Exports, Custom House, Karachi. In this manner the officers' authority would support in furtherance of the project by utilising the human resource available at his disposal, without any possible disadvantage to the prospects of furtherance to his career while he would also successfully be able to execute this task as well.
It is proposed that the Pral Board may consider a project allowance for the officer on monthly basis additionally (as he would be co-ordinating and implementing the FBR's/Pral's three cardinal projects in addition to his existing duties. His outstanding professional, ICT and interpersonal capabilities were recognised not only organisationally but also by World Bank which utilised his expertise as 'Customs Advisor' to the Government of Afghanistan on the 'Emergency Customs Reform and Trade Facilitation Project (ECMTFP). The other tax officials, who would be associated with of these projects from time to time would also be compensated (per project), in addition to their existing salaries at their postings. These officials included Commissioner/ Collector; Additional Collector/Additional Commissioner and Deputy/Assistant Commissioner and Deputy/Assistant collector as per expertise approved by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pral/Pral Board, in consultation with the Project Co-ordinator.
Since the proposal essentially envisages the binding that none of the field formation officers would be moved or posted solely to the projects, therefore these compensatory mechanisms would adequately incentivise them while keeping their support and interest alive. The objective achievement of FBR/Pral would require only a nominal annual expenditure form Pral funds.
Sources said that the approval of Pral Board is required for compensation to Project Co-ordinator and others to work on the projects. In case of approval, the FBR will issue a notification that Dr Jawwad Uwais Agha will hold the additional charge of PD WeBOC and Project Co-ordinator 'Integrated Tax Management and One Window', in addition to his existing duties. The Pral continues to provide all out support to the said projects.
They said that the government servants while performing project assignments must continue to hold their field posts as this greatly contributes towards project success through colleagues support. When WeBOC was conceived and developed none of the officers were moved from their posts and they got all out response from colleagues. The e-filing in sales tax and income tax have been successfully implemented without posting people from their field formations or removing them from their existing tasks. The Large Taxpayer Units (LTUs) were established without moving officers from their existing posts and STARR project succeeded due the same non-dislocation policy and ITMS attempts have also never dislodged officers.
Under the 'Automation Reform Initiative', the minimal administrative changes in the FBR/Pral may be made as this would cause minimum resistance and would help FBR focus on achieving greater objectives in the shortest possible time, sources added.