TAXING THE PEOPLE OF INDIA

Collection of taxes from the people is not a modern introduction by the governments. During the period of Pharaohs in Egypt there were tax collectors called scribes. They were also visiting houses to ensure that taxed items were used by all people. There were custom duties for goods imported and exported during the time of Augustus Caesar in Rome. We can find taxation in the history of almost all nations. In India people used to pay taxes to the ruling kings in the form of agricultural products. In the modern history of India King Akbar abolished many forms of taxes to give relief to the people. However during the post independent era of our country the state and central governments are vying with each other to tax the people the maximum possible. According to the current union budget the sum expected from tax revenue is over 19 lakh crores.

This tax money is not paid by the people with love or happiness or contentment. It is rather squeezed out from the people. Though the tax payments made by the people are to be returned to the people themselves in the form of services and comforts it is not so, at least the majority think, as far as the whole collection is concerned. There were not much resistance in the past. However, of late, people suspect that the money collected are not returned to them in any forms in full. Part of this money is being leaked out, is the strong belief of the people. They have started raising their voice through all available outlets.

The suspected misuse of the tax money are many. Lending huge sum to selected rich men is a major source. Allowing some people to take away large sums to banks abroad is another one. Using the public money for scandalous purposes with or without the knowledge of the rulers is also a major outflow. However, the most henious act is the fence itself is eating the crops. We are sending our representatives to the parliament to take care of all these things, but they are keen to have their paltry personal interests fulfilled. They draw a huge sum as their service charges which is far above the per capita income of the people. It is unimaginable that many of them draw around 40 to 50 lakhs rupees every year towards their air journey. A very large sum is spent for their safety and security. What not to mention, they eat the best food at throw away prices from their own reserved canteens.

The most important question here is; should we need a democracy like this. It is government of the rulers, by the rulers and for the rulers. Why can't we think about a rectification in the system for the benefit of the entire  countrymen. Can we not try for a national referendum to shift the system to a presidential form of government? It should be strictly for the interests of Indians as a whole. At least the corruption will be confined to one man!

KV George
kvgeorgein@gmail.com