Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the Income Tax department will introduce a system of online scrutiny of returns and modify the performance appraisal proforma of officials with a view to motivating them to pass correct orders and also check corruption.

Mr. Modi said this year, 91 per cent of electronic returns were processed within 90 days as compared to 46 per cent in 2014.

“I have also instructed that the performance appraisal system for I-T officers be changed. The appraisal should reflect whether or not the officer’s orders and assessments have been upheld on appeal. This will deter corruption and also motivate officers to pass correct orders,” Mr. Modi said at the 6th Delhi Economic Conclave.

“Queries could be raised and answered online or by email. There should be a visible electronic trail of what is pending with whom, where, and for how long. This is being piloted in five big cities,” he said.

When asked how soon the new appraisal form is expected, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairperson Anita Kapur said, “This year’s review will be based on new proforma.”

She further said the tax department has launched pilot projects for five cities wherein the officers will send questionnaires online and get the response online.