Number of assessees doubles in six years

 However, according to sources in the I-T department, only 87-94 per cent of these assessees file I-T returns every year.

 Only 11,81,888 persons (92 per cent) filed returns in 1997-98 against 20,12,081 (92 per cent) in 2002-03. The ratio was lowest in 2001-02, when 87 per cent of the total assessees filed IT returns.

 Officials say this is either because people have left the state or are not filing returns deliberately.

 Meanwhile, several I-T assessees are yet to receive their refunds after waiting for two years or more.

 Chief commissioner of I-T, Gujarat circle, N K Jain said according to information from various I-T offices in the state, all refunds have been made until March 31, 2003.