July 01
Inter-
CHANGLANG, Jun 30: Changlang Police busted an inter-
The arrests were made after a mobile check post was set up on Changlang-
The mobile team, on suspicion, stopped a group of Changlang-
The drug peddlers were identified as Khomtu Khomrang, Rengpa Mamai, Bosam Rekhung,
Phanmai Simai, Jonglong Tekhil, De-
A case has been registered under NDPS Act in Changlang Police Station against the peddlers.
Governor hits out at govt employees on welfare schemes
ITANAGAR, Jun 30: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, PB Acharya has hit out at the state government employees for not properly implementing welfare schemes.
The below par accomplishment in implementation reflects the lethargy and indifferent approach of the officials, the Governor P B Acharya said and urged upon the officers to enrol at least five persons in Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Bank and other schemes.
The governor said this during his meeting with the District Heads of Department of
Lower Subansiri at Ziro on Friday in his final leg of four-
He said that the government officers must be thorough about various welfare schemes and programmes.
The Governor also asked the MLA and DC to take initiatives for acceleration of development activities. He advised the Bankers, Social Welfare Department and Aadhar Card agencies to put in a concerted effort as a team and also suggested the officials,
involving lady officers to brainstorm on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme so that every girl child benefits from it.
The Governor called for strict monitoring to ensure that there is no injustice to anyone. He also asked the Universities in Ziro to carry out research work on harnessing natural resources of the district and other issues benefiting the denizens.
Earlier, interacting with political and Panchayat leaders from various political parties and public, the Governor appealed them to rise above political agenda and assist the District Administration in implementation of various welfare programmes. He advised them to stand against corruption.
Parliamentary Secretary cum local MLA Er. Tage Taki and Deputy Commissioner, Kemo Lollen briefed the Governor on the challenges and achievements in various sectors in the District.
Representative from Apatani Women Association requested the Governor for a rehabilitation centre at Ziro for mentally challenged individuals.
The representatives from Farmers Association called for Governor's assistance in addressing the challenges of the farmers.
Among others, Superintendent of Police, Bomge Kamduk and officers from various departments attended the meeting. (PRO to Governor)
AAPSU opposes CoSAAP’s demand
ITANAGAR, Jun 30: A team of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) led by its President Hawa Bagang and General Secretary Tobom Dai called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday and submitted a three point memorandum by strongly opposing the demands of CoSAAP to increase the retirement age from 58 to 60 years, immediate invocation of ESMA if necessary and continuation of NOC system.
AAPSU stated that the demand of CoSAAP is illogical and hampering the unemployed
youths of the state. The Union in its representation to the CM conveyed that union
would stand on its demand firmly as it is the question of thousands of unemployed
youths who have acquired educational qualifications and are yet to be absorbed in
state government service. The Union stated that FR-
"The retirement age of state govt. employee is 56 years in Kerala and Jharkhand, 58 years in Tamil Nadu, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Kashmir, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha and 60 years in other states. The demands of CoSAAP are totally against the young aspirants of the state," stated AAPSU.
The Union also cited the example of Punjab Cabinet who decided "against rising retirement of employees in the state to 60 from 58 years, on grounds that it would send out a wrong message to the youths."
Repeated mode of protests especially the pen down strike adopted by the CoSAAP to carry forth their illogical demands is setting a very bad precedent in the state which shall prove to be disastrous for the state in days to come, the Union added.
Further AAPSU asked State Govt. to act tough against erring employees.
"In 2003, when Govt employees in Tamil Nadu resorted to similar tactics when dearness allowance and certain cash benefits under the pension scheme were withdrawn, then Chief Minister Jayalalitha had invoked ESMA and dismissed 1.7 lakh workers and got thousands arrested. Even then the apex court had backed the Tamil Nadu's Govt stance against blackmailing tactics adopted by the workers. The state Govt. should take a leaf out of it and should not bow down to any pressure" the Union said while demanding action against state govt employees.
AAPSU also hit out at BJP for supporting the enhancement of retirement age.
"The statement of State BJP President Tapir Gao supporting the demands of CoSAAP
is totally against the very mantra of the Party's agenda of "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas".
We urge Party to follow this agenda in letter and spirit. Being the party in power,
the statement of Tapir Gao has deeply hurt the sentiments of all the unemployed youths
and student's in the state," said AAPSU while asking BJP to do self-
Arunachal launches eILP
ITANAGAR, Jun 30: State govt has launched the e-
Chief Minister Pema Khandu click-
A system conceptualized by State Council for IT and e-
Khandu expressed optimism that with the hassle-
He however emphasized on providing training to the personnel at designated offices of Resident Commissioners, Deputy Resident Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners so that they are familiar with the system and can issue ILPs without creating any confusions to the applicants. He also stressed that verification of documents submitted must be thorough and the system be error free so that it is not misused or manipulated.
As the issued ILP will now have Bar and QR codes for verification, Khandu said the security personnel manning the entry gates will have to be properly trained and equipped so that entries with fake ILPs are checked and genuine ILP holders are not subjected to inconvenience. For this he requested the department to hold an exclusively training session for the police.
The Chief Minister was informed that the present system is designed to cater only to domestic visitors but the department is working on offering a similar platform to foreign visitors also.
Special Secretary IT, Prince Dhawan explained that after fulfilling all criteria online, visitors will receive the ILP with unique identity number and codes in soft copy in their emails, which can be displayed on their mobile handsets or tabs at the entry gates.
However, exception has been kept open to avail ILPs at entry gates and other designated places (like Guwahati airport) physically on payment of certain fees.
Sports Authority of Arunachal to be restructured
ITANAGAR, Jun 30: Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that Sports Authority of Arunachal (SAA) will be restructured by an Act to be passed by the state legislative assembly.
SAA is a registered body functioning under a Memorandum of Association since 2005.
Chairing a meeting of the SAA Governing Body in Itanagar on Saturday, Khandu directed the sitting Chairman of SAA, Bamang Tago, in consultation with the department of Sports and Youth Affairs, to frame a blueprint of the Act and place it before the government for further perusal. This he said is required to give a distinct shape, role and responsibility to the autonomous body so that it can work constructively in the field of promoting sports and nurturing sportspersons from across the state.
Going through the roles and functions of the existing SAA set-
He lauded Tago for bringing it to the notice of the Governing Body, which incidentally met today after a gap of 5 years, and admitted the need to give greater autonomy to SAA. He also appreciated Tago for referring the Mizoram State Sports Council Act 2002 as an example that could be replicated in Arunachal Pradesh.
Khandu observed that with an Act in place the autonomous sports authority will have its role, responsibility and power in clear terms and all confusions with its relation vis a vis the department of Sports and Youths Affairs and state level sports associations will be cleared.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the initiatives taken up by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for promotion of games and sports in the state.
While thanking SAI Regional Director from Guwahati, Dr Subhash Basumatary for his
presence in the meeting as a co-
Meanwhile, SAI has agreed in principle to establish SAG centers at Roing, Aalo and Miao besides the ones at Itanagar and Rupa. Further, CM accepted the proposal put in by Dr Basumatary to utilize existing badminton infrastructure in the state capital to temporarily run the Dorjee Khandu Badminton Academy till the time its permanent infrastructure comes up near Naharlagun.
When informed that sportspersons after getting employed in government departments under sports quota are forced to leave their playing profession, Khandu viewed that they should be allowed to practice and participate in competitions as they used to before employment till their age permits. He asked the department to come up with a guideline to ensure it.
Sports and Youth Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Nyamar Karbak informed that a state
sports policy is in the making and after its finalization and implementation the
road ahead will be crystal clear. He however emphasized on starting from ground zero
and move upward instead of planning from the top. Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs
Parliamentary Secretary Laisam Simai, a co-
Other issues like requirement of coaches, physiotherapists, instructors, administrators as well as budgetary allocation were discussed in the meeting.
The 2nd Governing Body meeting of SAA was also attended by the SAA Vice Chairman, Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs, Secretary APP Sports Board, Directors of Sports, Youth Affairs and State Plan, Member Secretary SAA, representatives of SBI, NEEPCO and NHPC and distinguished sportspersons Gumpe Rime, Tadang Minu and Tamat Gamo.
Natung takes stock of development activities
SEPPA, Jun 30: Parliamentary Secretary, RD & PR and IPR & Publicity, Mama Natung visited Fengche and Neping villages under Bana circle of the East Kameng district and took stock of various developmental activities.
Addressing a huge gathering at Neping village on Friday, Natung apprised the people
about various on-
Announcing the upcoming projects in the area, Natung informed that dream of having a best educational institution in the district is going to be realized very soon with the proposed establishment of RK Mission School at Lumdung. Under the initiative of the Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, a corpus fund for the proposed RK Mission School has been created within a short span of time, he said. While assuring to extend every possible help for smooth functioning of the institution, he informed "Academic session of the institute is expected to start by 2019."
Advocating uniform development, he cautioned the people against inaccurate and misleading rumours saying that he accords uniform attention to every individual. He further assured the people to work even harder for all round development of the area. He sought people's support in making Seppa West assembly constituency a 'model constituency.'
Disclosing his commitment for development of the area, Natung has promised to build
a motor-
Earlier in the day, Natung inspected the community hall at Ramgang, school, teacher quarters, and community hall at Neping, and other developmental infrastructures and appreciated the works done by the concerned agencies.
During his visit at Fengche village on Wednesday, the Parliamentary Secretary inaugurated the community kitchen, which was funded under the MLALAD fund. He also inspected the community hall and community toilet at Fengche, road project at Taboyar and other government institutions.
Responding to the memorandum placed by the people of the area, Natung has assured to commence the widening of road at Taboyar and construction of teachers' quarters at Fengche and Ramgang. Necessary proposal has already been forwarded to the central government for PMGSY road at Fengche, he informed.
Natung also urged the PRI members and villagers to conduct social service at least once a month in their respective villages.
He urged the educated youths to generate mass awareness on various social security and Direct Benefit Transfer schemes of the BJP government among the people and instructed all PRI leaders to help the villagers in opening of bank accounts under PMJDY, Aadhaar enrolment and Aadhaar linking to respective bank accounts.
Natung was accompanied by ZPMs Dadi Rimo and Yelam Cheri, Anchal Chairperson Mangha Rimo, and host of govt. officials, PRI and public leaders during his visit. DIPRO
Tedi Techi is new director of AC & Treasury
ITANAGAR, Jun 30: Tedi Techi has taken over the charge of office of the Director of Accounts & Treasury after Ajem Tayeng had retired from service on superannuation on June 30.
NABARD meet
ITANAGAR, Jun 30: The State Level Unit Cost Committee meeting to arrive at the unit
costs for various farm sector activities for 2017-
'State Level Technical Committee' (SLTC) also met to revise the 'Scale of Finance'
for the year 2017-
DGM V Thirumalai, highlighted the importance of the Unit Costs in increasing term loans for agriculture in the State while OIC Dr. Gyanendra Mani in his address emphasized on systematic and realistic way of calculating the Unit Cost/ Scale of Finance for various activities.
Officer of SBI, CANARA, Rural and Apex Banks, representatives from Agriculture dept, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, KVK and others attended the meeting.
Restoration work of Aalo-
AALO, Jun 30: The OC 99 RCC BRTF Tumbin is taking up the restoration work of road blockade near Reying which has cut off Mechuka from rest of world.
The restoration work could be possible with the intervention of West Siang Deputy Commissioner Gamli Padu who asked EAC Kaying to look into land issue with the owner at blocked site. The EAC Kaying has settled the issue and realignment work is in full swing to facilitate communication. (DIPRO)
DEO seeks more enrollment of youths
HAWAI, Jun 30: Anjaw District Election Officer Mamata Riba discussed with various
political parties to ensure maximum registration of electors, particularly 18-
Launched on June one, the special campaign will be completed by July 31, 2017.
She urged the district unit presidents of various political parties to come forward for maximization of registration of electors and activating booth level agents (BLAs).
The meeting was attended by the representative of Political Parties, AEROs and others.
Earlier, a district level meeting was convened by Deputy Commissioner Mamata Riba to sensitize public, GBs, young entrepreneurs and PRI leaders on various flagship programmes like Chief Minister's Krishi Rinn Yojana, Deen Dayal Upadhaya Bunkar Yojana, and Deen Dayal Upadhaya Swalamban Yojana.
The Deputy Commissioner called upon the HoDs, entrepreneurs, farmers to work in close coordination.
Deputy Director (Agriculture) M. Boje highlighted the various aspects of these flagship programmes.
SBI, Hawai Branch Manager highlighted the difficulties faced due to shortage of staff and bad telecommunication.
Anchal Chairperson C Khamblai called upon the PRI members to help in spreading awareness about these programmes.
Rally in Mechuka against CM, DCM, PS
Mechuka, Jun 30: There was a rally in Mechuka by the Mere Vichaar Andolan Committee (MVAC) demanding inquiry into the alleged suicide of Late Chief Minister Kalikho Pul.
The Committee has demanded initiating inquiry based on the FIR lodged by the three wives of former CM, resignations of chief minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Tourism parliamentary secretary Passang Dorjee Sona on moral ground to ensure free and fair investigation.
The committee has demanded action against the three leaders by State and central BJP leaders.
TMPK demands ST status to Misings of Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Jun 30: Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) appealed to the Arunachal Pradesh Government for granting Scheduled Tribes (ST) status to Misings residing in Arunachal Pradesh complying with the presidential order of 1956 and SC & ST Act, 1956.
"The President Order of 1956 and SC & ST Act 1956 declared that all tribes of North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) are STs. But, surprisingly, the indigenous Misings of Arunachal Pradesh are still denied the ST status," TMPK stated in a release.
"While all other native tribes of Arunachal are enjoying ST status, the Misings alone is left without the ST facilities," it said.
Stating that the Misings of Arunachal Pradesh have been discriminated for long by not granting them ST status, TMPK said that no one should be allowed to make a mockery of the President's order and the Law of India.
Referring to the third memorandum submitted by Adi Ba:né Kébang (ABK) (vide ABK/10/2011-
TMPK, on behalf of the Mising people of Arunachal Pradesh strongly appealed to the Arunachal Pradesh Government to take a favorable decision on the issue within a month.
Police to receive public complaint round the clock
ITANAGAR, Jun 30: All the officer in-
The mobile numbers are to be used by the night emergency duty officers (NEDOs) and OC/2nd OC in the daytime to receive report from public regarding crimes, accidents or any public nuisance etc, said an official release issued by the Papum Pare SP, Tumme Amo.
Power Minister orders inquiry into electrocution case
ITANAGAR, Jun 30: Power Minister Tamiyo Taga has ordered a departmental enquiry into the electrocution case in Bonia village under Longding district, where two persons of a family died.
The minister directed the CE (Power), EEZ to conduct an inquiry to ascertain, whether the incident had occurred due to negligence on part of the electricity department, and submit the enquiry report within three days.
One Ngapsa Sangam and her daughter Nyachat Sangam reportedly died after being electrocuted while they were returning from their jhum field on June 27.
RHEP MoU demand committee to launch 3rd phase agitation
ITANAGAR, Jun 30: The RHEP MoU demand committee has decided to commence 3rd phase
of agitation because of the none-
The committee has been agitating for last the couple of month against NEEPCO for
failing to meet their demand. Their main demands are drafting of a 'fresh' Memorandum
of Understanding, proper review of relief and rehabilitation work, filling up of
existing vacancies in RHEP from eligible candidates from project affected area, job
regularization of recently W/C upgraded APST employees, one percent free power for
local area development, establishment of NEEPCO ED office at Itanagar, strict implementation
of CSR-
Leaders and villagers pitch for distillery plant
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Jun 30: The Panchayat and public leaders of Ruksin, Bilat and Sille-
The leaders, Gaon Burahs (GBs) and villagers in a meeting at Ngorlung Community Hall on Thursday discussed the matter in details, including local economic benefits from the industry, and adopted resolution in favour of establishment of the distillery unit at the earliest.
The meeting chaired by Ngorlung village HGB Oling Tarang also constituted a 25-
Ruksin block ZPM Tonggeng Panyang informed that he would submit the public decision
to the Chief Minister and Industry Ministers for follow-
APVYWA for inclusion of Papu Valley in new district
ITANAGAR, Jun 30: All Papu Valley Youth Welfare Association (APVYWA) in a meeting
at Seppa on June 29 adopted resolution for inclusion of 10 -
In a release, the association stated that the villages under 10 -
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Resolve issue concerning Mumbai Arunachal bhawan
The Mumbai Arunachal bhawan is once again in news for all the wrong reasons. US Roofs company which owns the building where bhawan lies is reportedly dismantling portion of bhawan causing much trouble to cancer patients and students. Every year hundreds of cancer patient heads to Tata memorial cancer hospital, Mumbai for treatment. Being the financial capital of India, Mumbai is an expense city. Therefore it is Arunachal bhawan where cancer patient prefers to stay as it is comparatively cheaper and also gives secure feeling to the visitors. But over the year the Arunachal bhawan is slowly disappearing from the scene. Government of Arunachal entered into a 60 years lease agreement with the Navi Mumbai based developer, US Roofs Ltd, for development of land which was gifted to them by Maharasthra government for construction of Arunachal bhawan.
The Company was supposed to construct the bhawan and emporium for govt of Arunachal,
while the remaining space was to be used by them for commercial purpose. However
the company has reportedly provided just small space for bhawan and has taken away
major chunk of space. Also Arunachal Students Union Mumbai (ASUM) has alleged company
of encroaching into the floor which was constructed for establishment of bhawan.
First of all state government made huge mistake by agreeing to lease land to private
developer and allowing them free access. Government should re-
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India’s rise in world Badminton
Dear Editor,
Cricket is the most watched sport in India but the rise of Indian badminton has delighted India that there is much more left than to cricket. The stupendous success of Indian shuttlers from Srikanth Kidambi to Sai Praneeth, P Kashyap, Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu on the global stage have brought attention to the world badminton. They have won from individual championship to Olympic, Asian, SAF Games and other world championship. But those success stories have not just come easily. Their parents have sacrificed a lot owing to insufficient government support. Saina’s father once quoted “It took me my whole life to make what she makes in a year”. Now it’s a good sign that Badminton Association of India has recently announced cash reward for winners. The inspiring story of the man behind India’s rise in the world is Pulella Gopichand who has singlehandedly changed the sport of badminton in our country. The all England champion has not just retired but opened two academies in Hyderabad for grooming young talent. For him playing national anthem at global badminton event is a big thing. There cannot be a bigger motivation than that.
Yours,
Kamal Baruah
Guwahati
Open Letter to Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
Dear Editor,
Green Arunachal Foundation (GAF) regrets to express its displeasure over the (mal)functioning of the Raj Bhavan of late. In context of the above expressed subject, GAF would like to apprise Your Excellency’s high office of the following discrepancies on the part of Raj Bhavan that have been witnessed during the last couple of months:
It is hoped, and supposed, to get free and easy excess to get an audience with the Governor of the state who is the constitutional head of the state in addition to being the representative of the president of India. Lamentably, it is not so. Regretfully, there wasn’t any correspondence from Raj Bhavan even after GAF implored twice to get an audience with His Excellency, the Governor. It is surprising that whereas GAF has been able to get appointment even with the Hon’ble President of India, its members could not obtain permission to meet the Governor of the state.
GAF also earnestly beseech Raj Bhavan to initiate steps for the implementation of the Lokayukta Act. As everyone is well aware, the Lokayukta is an instrument that has been designed to safeguard the nation and its people by checking corrupt practices. This potent Act covers even the political classes, including members of the Council of Ministers, within its purview.
GAF reminds His Excellency’s high office that the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed the Lokayukta Act in its Fifth Session way back in March 2014. However, it’s startling that even after a gap of over two years, the Act is yet to be constituted and executed by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
Thus, the state is failing in its constitutional duty by not constituting the Lokkayukta Act. Hence, there is an urgent need and scope for early intervention of Your Excellency.
Another matter that GAF wants to ponder upon is that Raj Bhavan seems to be rendering a mute spectator with regard to the developmental activities of Arunachal Pradesh. It is expected of the Governor of a state to discuss with members of the legislative assembly and advise the house for early and proper implementation of all the developmental activities. Therefore, Raj Bhavan is implored upon to exercise its power and intervene into the functioning of the Members of Legislative Assembly and the Council of Ministers of the state as a neutral body/agent (of the President of India) as is laid down in the Constitution. GAF expects the office of the governor to be a neutral one and appeals not to incline towards or favour any particular political party, individual or group of individuals while exercising his power/duty. It is expected of the governor to guide and advice the capital administration especially the Chief Secretary’s office to look into the traffic problems and conditions of roads and bridges of Capital complex. The governor is also expected to travel by roadways between Itanagar and Banderdewa, rather than using only the helicopter chartered to his office, so that the problems faced by the people might be realized.
Yet another matter that concerns the state and its people is the manner in which
the official bungalow of the Chief Minister of the state is being presently utilized.
It is in everyone’s knowledge that the Chief Minister’s official bungalow rendered
without its rightful occupant after former Chief Minister Mr. Kalikho Pul committed
suicide in it. The said bungalow has been converted into a guest house/circuit house.
Now what is to be considered is the fact that till date – even after the passage
of about four months -
GAF further requests the governor to allot an official bungalow to the present Chief Minister and direct him to shift from his private residence at the earliest – preferably to a state guest house or to the Banquette Hall. He would be more accessible to the people if he resides in a government accommodation, rather than his private residence.
Taking into account the above facts, Your Excellency is pleaded to look into the matters and do the needful to correct those at the earliest.
Yours,
Takam Tatung,
Chairman, GAF
A letter from Dibang Valley
Dear Editor,
We are sharing some grievances of Dibang Valley District which are highlighted below for wide circulation.
The Health Centre of Punli: The Health Centre of Punli was totally demolished on 10th April’ 2017 by a villager and during demonization, one 5 year old boy was badly injured.
The matter was informed verbally to the Circle Officer, Anini and District Medical
Officer, Anini but the authorities did not take any action against the culprit nor
have they re-
Govt. quarters are occupied and demolished: In Anini many govt. quarters are occupied and demolished by the people who later construct their own houses on the govt. plots. Hence, the authorities must take legal action.
Heads of Department are always out of station: In Dibang Valley District, all the HODs are out of station always except very few.
They only visit Anini during March ending and after that they are out of station. The villagers from interior places come to meet the HODs but they are always out of station and the problems of the villagers are unsolved. Every year, the scenario is same and no action has been taken by the administration.
Yours,
Citizens
Choosing the right career path
Dear Editor,
All forms of higher education are important and necessary for our youths to make them suitable for the job markets. However, based on our South Asian culture, over population and very limited job opportunities; vocational education, training and experience often does not land a potential young individual in the specific skill based job market in which he/she is specifically trained. This is quite unfortunate and is an important factor behind the lack of popularity for vocational training and education and related degrees and diplomas. A regular academic degree helps an individual to switch from one job opportunity to another based on his/her needs; but a vocational or skill based training degree does not make an individual suitable for many jobs outside his discipline or faculty thereby limiting job opportunity. When the opening for jobs will be equal in both regular and vocational educational programs, the demand for both streams will be equal for youths seeking employment. Hence it is advisable for students to seek the career path based on solid facts and figures, real life practicalities and one’s personal abilities, natural skills and interests. It is not advisable to jump into any stream if someone else is doing that. One has to take decision based on his/her individual circumstances, specific opportunities identified and long term goals.
Yours,
Saikat Kumar Basu,
Canada
Symbolic representation
Dear Editor,
Mahatma Gandhi wanted a dalit woman as India's first President but his suggestion was turned down. But can a Dalit's symbolic representation at the top of our administration really change anything?
For an answer, we must refer to Malik Miah's article, "What Obama's victory means
about race and class". He wrote, "Obama's victory, more than symbolic, represents
a change in attitudes. But the symbolism in and of itself is powerful, because of
the country's racist history. It is that symbolism that every African -
Yours,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
GST is just another avatar of indirect tax
Dear Editor,
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) can indeed streamline our indirect tax collection. But what India needs now is not a GST regime which is just another avatar of indirect tax but a direct tax regime that has helped many countries to get a developed economy.
Poorest of the poor persons are to cough up substantial and same amount of indirect tax as their creamy counterparts when they are to buy anything from salt to slippers and from food to medicine. While direct taxes depend on the taxpayer's ability to pay, indirect taxes being blind to the economic status of the taxpayers, hit the poor the hardest. Given huge income disparity among Indians, India should rely more on direct taxes which is just for all.
Our indirect tax regime is also one of the factors of rising inequality among Indians. According to the New World Wealth report, our country is ranked seventh in the list of top wealthiest countries in the world but on a per capita basis, the average Indian is quite poor. This is a clear case of lopsided growth of our national body that can turn out to be malignant if not immediately taken care of. While the richest 10 per cent of our population has 76.3 per cent of nation's wealth, the poorest half is reeling with a meagre 4.1 per cent.
So, a direct tax regime, with more than 60 per cent of the total tax revenue coming from direct tax, along with GST taking care of indirect tax and earning less than 40 per cent of the total tax turnover, is needed.
Yours,
Sujit De, Kolkata
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