Smt. Sitharaman also assured Income Tax officials that the Government is committed to improving office infrastructure and residential accommodation, particularly in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, July 24, 2026: The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated ‘Aayakar Sindhu’, the new state-of-the-art office complex of the Income Tax Department at Nariman Point, Mumbai, and dedicated it to the service of the nation.
Speaking on the occasion which falls on Kargil Vijay Diwas, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman first paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War. Emphasising the values of patriotism and public service, she said, "We will ensure every institution of the Republic remains worthy of their sacrifice."
Referring to the newly inaugurated Income Tax Department office, "Aayakar Sindhu", located at Nariman Point, Mumbai, Smt. Sitharaman noted that the locality is named after noted freedom fighter Khurshed Framji Nariman. She urged officers of the Income Tax Department to serve the nation with integrity and dedication as a tribute to the soldiers and freedom fighters who devoted their lives to the country.
Addressing the Income Tax officers, the Finance Minister observed that they are privileged to serve the nation in a highly sensitive role that demands the highest standards of honesty, professionalism and integrity.
Explaining the significance of the name "Aayakar Sindhu", Smt. Sitharaman said it aptly reflects the role of the Income Tax Department. Just as the ocean (Sindhu) receives water from countless rivers, the Department mobilises tax revenues from taxpayers across the country and channels them into the Consolidated Fund of India, from where resources are utilised for nation-building and public welfare.
Smt. Sitharaman spoke about the challenges encountered in clearances and removing encroachments before the construction of Aayakar Sindhu. Stating this, the Finance Minister urged officers to reflect on the difficulties often faced by ordinary citizens in resolving their day-to-day issues. She called upon them to exercise their authority with empathy, sensitivity and a spirit of public service, ensuring that governance remains citizen-centric.
Smt. Sitharaman also assured Income Tax officials that the Government is committed to improving office infrastructure and residential accommodation, particularly in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, where officials often undertake long commutes due to limited government housing. She informed that efforts are underway to expedite the government-to-government land acquisition process through the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for establishing permanent office premises, as several Income Tax offices in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai presently function from rented buildings.
Describing "Aayakar Sindhu" as a state-of-the-art office with a distinct identity and character, the Finance Minister urged officers to match its excellence with their competence and commitment. She encouraged them to continuously strive for institutional excellence, stating that every generation has a responsibility to strengthen and enrich the institutions it inherits. Expressing her confidence in the Department, she wished that Aayakar Sindhu would continue to serve the nation with distinction for many years to come.
Chairman, CBDT, Shri Ravi Agrawal, and Member (Administration), CBDT, Shri Pankaj Kumar Mishra, were also present on the occasion. The welcome address was delivered by Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Mumbai, Shri Alok Kumar.
About 'Aayakar Sindhu':
‘Aayakar Sindhu’ is a modern 13-storey office complex with a built-up area of approximately one lakh square feet, constructed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The building has been designed to provide a secure, technology-enabled and citizen-centric work environment for the Income Tax Department.
The facility is equipped with secure record management facilities, strong rooms for seized assets and records, an Aayakar Seva Kendra, conference and training facilities, a library, canteen, recreation area and guest house accommodation.
The new office complex is expected to enhance administrative efficiency, strengthen taxpayer services and provide the infrastructure required for effective handling of sensitive assessment and investigation-related work. The building has also been designed keeping in view the future functional requirements of the Department.
The project reflects the Central Government’s continued commitment to strengthening public infrastructure and providing modern, secure and efficient workplaces for tax administration while facilitating improved delivery of taxpayer services.
