Historic Income Tax Office in Kolkata Illuminated to Celebrate Heritage and Inspire Future Generations

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews | May 24, 2025 | Kolkata : A significant chapter in India's institutional heritage was celebrated today as the iconic Income Tax Office building at 3 Government Place (West), Kolkata, was illuminated in a ceremonial event that blended history with modern pride. This initiative reflects the Income Tax Department’s commitment to preserving its legacy while advancing in step with contemporary values.

The Income Tax Department of India, formally established with the enactment of the Income-tax Act in 1922, traces its origins back to 1860 when Sir James Wilson first introduced income tax in response to the financial aftermath of the Indian Mutiny of 1857. The 1922 Act laid the foundation for the Department’s systematic administration and continues to be acknowledged as a cornerstone in its institutional evolution.

The building at 3 Government Place (West), originally constructed between 1890 and 1891 as the Imperial Secretariat, has long been a landmark of administrative and architectural importance. Before the establishment of Aayakar Bhawan at Chowringhee, it served as the office for all senior functionaries of the Income Tax Department in Bengal, including the Commissioner of Income Tax. The structure, deeply rooted in colonial-era design, remains one of the oldest functioning Income Tax buildings in the country.

In a thoughtful and visually compelling initiative, the newly installed lighting now accentuates the grand architectural features of the heritage structure without any structural modifications. This aesthetic enhancement not only elevates the building’s nighttime visibility but also honors its cultural significance and institutional contributions.

Adding to the preservation efforts, a dedicated Heritage Archive was inaugurated on the rooftop of the building on September 23, 2024, by the Hon’ble Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). This archive aims to serve as a living repository of the Department’s historical records and milestones.

At the event, the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, West Bengal & Sikkim, Sri Niraj Kumar, IRS, remarked that the dual initiative of illumination and archiving is intended to inspire both present and future generations. He highlighted the importance of remembering and honoring the Department’s past as a means of instilling pride, belonging, and dedication among stakeholders and citizens alike.

Now illuminated against the Kolkata skyline, the historic building stands as a luminous symbol of resilience, transformation, and the continued relevance of public institutions in nation-building.