The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed to establish 'Performance Evaluation Index' for its officers (Grade 16 and above) to evaluate their performance on four basic parameters including achievement of the assigned revenue collection targets.

Four tangible criteria have been proposed to judge FBR's officials performance are: (i) achievement of revenue targets for respective tax units; (ii) number of tax audits conducted and ascertaining of untaxed revenue; (iii) new taxpayers registered and tax revenue tapped and; (iv) count of taxpayers facilitation, awareness and education. Sources told Business Recorder here on Tuesday that the Human Resource Development (HRD) of the FBR is part of the FBR's restructuring plan approved by the Prime Minister Imran Khan. However, the timelines for implementation of the reforms have been put on hold.

The concept of Performance Evaluation Index for FBR officials have been proposed to ensure achievement of the assigned revenue collection targets to the FBR's field formations. If implemented, the Performance Evaluation Index would be applicable on officials of Grade-16 and above.

The HRD plan of the FBR revealed selection of officers (CSS Cadre) based on related education background (MBA, Accounting and Finance etc), recruitment of tax inspectors and field staff with relevant education qualification (Accounting and Legal Management) and duration of Specialized Training Program (STP) at respective institutions (IR & Customs) be increased to one year.

Under the HRD plan, accreditation of the STP and mid-carrier management course (MCMC) by IBA or LUMS for award of relevant degrees and infuse professional interest. The senior management course for FBR officers would be conducted at National Defense University (only) instead of National Management College.

The objective evaluation regime for civil service officers be adopted at NDU to ensure identification and clearance of competent material for intellectual employment.

The HRD plan of the FBR further disclosed that performance in respective courses be made mandatory criterion for promotion to next rank and criteria for foreign training/courses/seminars be made transparent to ensure equal opportunities for carrier progression. The tenure based rotation regime, alternate employment at FBR Headquarters and field formations be made mandatory for promotion to next ranks.

The promotion of officers to BS-20 and above be subject to Bi/Tri-Agency clearance (IB, ISI and MI) to guard against subversion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019