HIDE AND SEEK GAME BETWEEN TELECOM COMPANIES AND TELECOM DEPARTMENT.

According to media reports the Apex Court has asked the Telecom companies of India to pay ₹ 1.47 lakhs crore to the government immediately. The honorable court have also indicated that the payment is delayed with the connivance of the Telecom Department. The fence is eating the crops; what else to say. When the government is extracting each rupee from the common man in the name of taxes and duties, they show no urgency in collecting this huge sum from the corporate houses. The honorable judge went to the extent of saying with sorrowful voice that it is better to close down the court if the people cannot obey the institution.

Along with this we must know that states like Kerala is pumping in money from the poor daily wage earners by selling alcoholic drinks with a margin of about 1200% above the purchase price. Many states in India are selling dreams to their people, in the name of lottery ticket to generate income. Whether it is state or central government, squeezing the poor is similar and both ensure to keep the rich and mega rich unharmed.

The government 'of the people, by the people and for the people' should at least ensure that those who committed this 'petty' error should be punished at least with a 'few minutes' suspension to appease the common man who heavily shoulder the unbearable tax burden. Of late, it has been reported that the Telecom companies are asking for more time for the required payments. The concerned department, before granting extension of time, should think whether such extension of time is allowed in the case of common man.

KV George

kvgeorgein@gmail.com