As a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration in commemoration of 75 years of India’s independence, the Income Tax Department organised a cyclothon on Friday morning. The cyclothon was planned to commemorate the Kheda Satyagraha by cycling down the route trodden by the revered satyagraha in the year 1918. Over 200 IRS officers and staff participated in the cyclothon. PCCIT Ravindra Kumar led the cycle ride of 60km from Income Tax Department, Vejalpur.
The Government of India is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and the I-T department conducted a Cyclothon on the historical route of Ahmedabad to Kheda on Dec 17. The Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel flagged off the cyclothon at 8am.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel said “The satyagraha was a watershed in the Indian freedom struggle where the peasants of Kheda district rose in peace to revolt against the regime. I-T cyclothon is a tribute to the unwavering spirit of the kheda satyagrahis. The cyclothon also drives home the message that in the 75 years of independence, India has built a taxation system based on transparency, voluntary compliance and enhanced taxpayer services. Tax collected is utilized for the progress of our country and welfare of people.”
The Kheda Satyagraha was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after the region was hit by a famine, cholera and plague, destroying the agrarian economy. The Bombay Presidency had increased the taxes in 1917-18 by 23% despite many deaths following a cholera outbreak.
Remembering the historical incident, PCCIT Ravindra Kumar said, “Our idea is to recall the historical incident and bring transparency in the current taxation system.”
Essay writing competition
Income Tax Department Gujarat also organised an essay writing competition for school children in the age group of 10-15 years on the topic: Kheda Satyagraha- it’s significance in India’s Independence Movement’. All AMC affiliated schools took part. Entries were called in Hindi, English and Gujarati. Three best essays in each language were awarded and all participants were given certificates. The idea was to inspire children to research and learn about the contribution of kheda satyagarha to our freedom struggle.
