Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched PRARAMBH 2026, the Income Tax Department's nationwide awareness campaign for the new Income Tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, 2026. The new Act replaces the 1961 Act, reducing sections from 819 to 536, chapters from 47 to 23, and word count from 5.12 lakh to 2.6 lakh. The campaign includes over 300 workshops nationwide, guidance material in 12 languages, an upgraded Income Tax Website 2.0, and AI-powered chatbot 'Kar Saathi' for taxpayer queries. FM Sitharaman stressed 'empathetic, technology-driven and trust-based tax administration' and called for stability with minimal future amendments.
FM Sitharaman Launches PRARAMBH 2026 Campaign for New Income Tax Act 2025
AQuick answer
FM launched PRARAMBH 2026 for new Income Tax Act 2025 with AI chatbot 'Kar Saathi', 300+ workshops, and simplified 536-section law.
Key facts
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched PRARAMBH 2026, the awareness campaign for the new Income Tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, 2026.
- The new Act replaces the 1961 Act, reducing sections from 819 to 536, chapters from 47 to 23, and word count from 5.12 lakh to 2.6 lakh.
- The campaign includes over 300 workshops nationwide and guidance material in 12 languages.
- An upgraded Income Tax Website 2.0 and AI-powered chatbot 'Kar Saathi' were launched for taxpayer queries.
- FM Sitharaman stressed empathetic, technology-driven and trust-based tax administration.
Mains angle
Q: Evaluate how the new Income Tax Act 2025, supported by the PRARAMBH 2026 campaign launched by Finance Minister Sitharaman, seeks to simplify direct tax administration in India.
Answer (50 words):
Effective 1 April 2026, the Income Tax Act 2025 replaces the 1961 statute, cutting sections from 819 to 536, chapters from 47 to 23 and words from 5.12 lakh to 2.6 lakh. PRARAMBH 2026 offers 300 workshops, 12 languages, upgraded Website 2.0 and Kar Saathi chatbot for taxpayer guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
What is PRARAMBH 2026 campaign launched by FM Sitharaman?
**PRARAMBH 2026** is the Income Tax Department's nationwide awareness campaign launched by Finance Minister **Nirmala Sitharaman** to educate taxpayers about the new **Income Tax Act, 2025**, which becomes effective on **April 1, 2026**. The campaign includes **300+ workshops**, guidance in **12 languages**, and the launch of **Income Tax Website 2.0** and AI-powered chatbot **'Kar Saathi'**.
How many sections does the new Income Tax Act 2025 have compared to the old 1961 Act?
The new **Income Tax Act, 2025** significantly simplifies the old law: - Sections reduced from **819 to 536** - Chapters reduced from **47 to 23** - Word count reduced from **5.12 lakh to 2.6 lakh** The Act comes into force on **April 1, 2026**, replacing the six-decade-old **Income Tax Act, 1961**.
What is Kar Saathi chatbot launched by the Income Tax Department?
**Kar Saathi** is an AI-powered chatbot launched by the Income Tax Department as part of the **PRARAMBH 2026** campaign. It is designed to answer taxpayer queries related to the new **Income Tax Act, 2025**, effective **April 1, 2026**. It was launched alongside the upgraded **Income Tax Website 2.0** to make tax compliance more accessible.
When does the new Income Tax Act 2025 come into effect and who announced it?
The new **Income Tax Act, 2025** comes into effect on **April 1, 2026**, replacing the **Income Tax Act, 1961**. Finance Minister **Nirmala Sitharaman** announced and launched the **PRARAMBH 2026** awareness campaign for it, emphasizing 'empathetic, technology-driven and trust-based tax administration' with minimal future amendments.
How many languages does the PRARAMBH 2026 Income Tax campaign cover?
The **PRARAMBH 2026** campaign provides guidance material in **12 languages** to ensure widespread taxpayer awareness across India. The campaign also includes **over 300 workshops nationwide**, an upgraded **Income Tax Website 2.0**, and the **Kar Saathi** AI chatbot to support the transition to the new **Income Tax Act, 2025** from April 1, 2026.
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