Question : FUNCTIONING OF SETTLEMENT COMMISSION

(a) whether out of 1729 applications filed before the Settlement Commission during 1994-95 to 1998-1999, only 624 were disposed-off and 1105 applications were pending as on 31st March, 1999;

(b) if so, the actual latest figures of applications;

(c) whether no time limit is prescribed for disposal-off cases by the Commission with the result that the final settlement of cases is much delayed defeating its very objective:

(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the steps being taken to correct the situation on both the counts ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE(SHRI GINGEE N. RAMACHANDRAN)

(a) 2306 applications were filed before the Settlement Commission during the period 1994-95 to 1998-99. Prior to this period the pendency was 2369 applications. During the period 2782 applications were disposed. 1893 applications were pending for disposal as on 31-3-1999.

(b) As on 1.4.2001, there were 1608 cases pending for final disposal.

(c)&(d) The reason for delay include delayed reports from the field formations of the Income-tax Department and request by the applicant for adjournment of cases fixed for hearing.

(e) The Commission has taken following steps for settlement of cases:


(i) holding meetings with the concerned Chief Commissioner of Income-tax to expedite the Reports.
ii) Camping by Benches of the Commission at different stations; and
iii) Reallocating the work among the four Benches of the Commission to increase disposal.