Published: 21 March 2026PIB / DD NewsEconomy
PRARAMBH 2026: Finance Ministry Launches Nationwide Campaign for New Income Tax Act 2025, Effective April 1
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched 'PRARAMBH 2026' (Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat) on March 20, 2026 — a nationwide awareness campaign by the Income Tax Department to educate citizens about the new Income Tax Act, 2025, set to replace the Income Tax Act, 1961 from April 1, 2026.
The new Act simplifies India's direct tax framework by reducing sections from over 800 to 536 and chapters from 47 to 23, making the law more accessible and reducing litigation. The campaign is anchored by the 'Nagrik Devo Bhava' principle of citizen-centric governance.
Key campaign features: (1) 'Kar Saathi' — an AI-powered chatbot offering 24×7 query resolution in 12 Indian languages via the upgraded Income Tax Website 2.0; (2) Income Tax Website 2.0 — launched with improved navigation and simpler service delivery; (3) Over 300 workshops nationwide; (4) Multilingual brochures in 10 regional languages; and (5) Print, TV, radio, digital, and outdoor media outreach including MyGov Quiz initiatives.
Significance: Replacing the 65-year-old Income Tax Act 1961, the new law embodies India's commitment to a stable, simple, and trust-based taxation regime — a cornerstone of PM Modi's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. For Rajasthan's large MSME and agricultural sector, simplified tax language directly reduces compliance burden on small traders and farmers operating in the formal economy.
0Mains angle
Q: Discuss the key features of the new Income Tax Act 2025 and the PRARAMBH 2026 campaign launched on 20 March 2026 by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in the context of tax-law simplification.
Answer (50 words):
On 20 March 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched PRARAMBH 2026 to publicise the new Income Tax Act 2025, replacing the 65-year-old 1961 Act from 1 April 2026. Sections drop from over 800 to 536 and chapters from 47 to 23; 'Kar Saathi' AI chatbot covers 12 languages with 300+ workshops nationwide.
6-axis classification
CoverageNationalTypeCampaignSubjectEconomicExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB / DD News
Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionEasy
PRARAMBH 2026 is an awareness campaign launched by the Finance Ministry for which legislation?
Explanation · Correct answer BPRARAMBH 2026 is an awareness campaign launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the new Income Tax Act 2025, effective from April 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is PRARAMBH 2026 and who launched it?
PRARAMBH 2026 is a nationwide awareness campaign launched on March 20, 2026, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to publicise the new Income Tax Act 2025, which came into effect from April 1, 2026.
How has the new Income Tax Act 2025 simplified the existing tax law?
The new Income Tax Act 2025 reduced the number of sections from over 800 to 536 and chapters from 47 to 23, making the direct tax law more concise, readable, and litigation-friendly for taxpayers.
What is 'Kar Saathi' and in how many languages does it operate?
'Kar Saathi' is an AI-powered chatbot launched under the PRARAMBH 2026 campaign to help taxpayers understand and navigate the simplified Income Tax Act 2025; it operates in 12 Indian languages.
What outreach activities were planned under PRARAMBH 2026?
Over 300 workshops and awareness drives were planned nationwide under PRARAMBH 2026 to educate taxpayers, tax professionals, and the general public about the new Income Tax Act 2025.
What is the role of CBDT in direct tax administration in India, and how is it relevant to RPSC?
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is the apex body under the Ministry of Finance responsible for formulating policies and administering direct taxes including income tax. RPSC candidates must understand CBDT's role in implementing tax reforms like the new Income Tax Act 2025.
