New Delhi, May 3 (DHNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reviewed the government’s initiatives against black money and directed revenue officials to speed up action against benami property holders.

At a three-hour meeting two days after the deadline for deposits under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna (PMGKY) ended, he discussed further steps against tax evaders.

The authorities plan stringent action against tax evaders, given the dismal collection under the second round of PMGKY.

The government has collected just Rs 2,300 crore by way of tax, penalty and surcharge under the second tax compliance window launched after the November 2016 demonetisation. Official sources said Modi wanted quick implementation of e-assessment to minimise human interference. He told officials to find ways to widen the tax base by bringing more people under the tax net.

Post-demonetisation, the revenue department had warned those involved in benami transactions of rigorous imprisonment of up to seven years. Through advertisements in newspapers, it had cautioned that benami properties would be attached and confiscated. It had also attached assets around the country and registered about 250 cases.

The properties included agricultural land, bank deposits, apartments and jewellery.

Action in Delhi

The I-T authorities have begun investigating ownership of businesses, plots, shops and houses, including in Lutyens’ Delhi. They have found many irregularities in purchase and ownership.

The revenue department has now sought a list of government properties, and is checking if any land is occupied illegally by private individuals.