By Patricia Mukhim
Recently when the members of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) led by its Chairman, Naresh Chandra visited Shillong for a discussion with Government representatives of the seven North Eastern states and academicians/NGOs, he was surprised when a high ranking official of a neighbouring state proposed that the tribes should start paying income tax. The official, a tribal himself was very persuasive in his arguments that paying income tax was the only way to hold the rich and powerful tribal elite accountable for acquiring assets disproportionate to their known sources of income. The bureaucrat represents a state known for its violence and untrammelled corruption. The two facets seem to synchronize very well. Mr Chandra and other members of the Board, were apparently not aware that tribals do not pay income tax. The wise architects of the Indian Constitution thought we would not be able to catch up with the advanced states and gave us this sop, including ‘reservation’ with the rider that it be reviewed every ten years. Sadly both have become permanent crutches for us.
It is ridiculous to waive ‘income tax’ from a tribal elite that is increasingly becoming as affluent as any of the non-tribal population in the metros of this country. But what’s worse is that this has other implications. Firstly, there can be no concept of black money among tribals. Everything they earn or get or extort through fair means or foul is ‘white’ money. This makes it attractive for others who have to carry the tax burden to use a tribal (a) to avoid paying income tax and thereby earn more profits (b) to do benami business in the name of a tribal (c) to convert black money to white through several innovative methods such as setting up educational institutions or some such venture with the larger and more amorphous purpose of doing it “in tribal interest.”
The reason why it is so attractive to be an MLA or MP today is because of the vast opportunities this job offers to earn money and acquire assets especially real estate. The speed at which land is being bought and sold today suggests that those with money are fuelled by the hunger of a monster to buy, buy and buy. Let’s take a look at the 60 MLAs. Most of them have acquired property or built up substantial bank balances in the last five years and we are not supposed to know anything about this. Why? Because they are not bound to inform us since the system allows them to. Unless they pay income tax there is no way of knowing what they had five years ago and how much is their net worth today. I am sorry to mention names (and these are the more visible ones) but don’t we all think that a PA Sangma, a Mukul Sangma, a Deborah Marak, a DD Lapang, a Prestone Tynsong an AL Hek, an HDR Lyngdoh and above all the biggest landowner in greater Shillong today – Mr Vincent H Pala ought to declare their assets for public knowledge? What were they worth ten years ago? How did they manage to multiply their fortunes so quickly? What’s the magic bullet they have used? Where do the crores just come rolling in from? If it’s so easy to earn so much in so little time, then it’s worth sharing the secret. But of course that is asking for too much isn’t it? We the public are not supposed to know because we are supposed to keep shut.
But is it not true that the money meant for roads, buildings, water supply, power generation, urban management et al have gone into the personal accounts of the above peoples’ representatives? The transport check gates meant to yield revenue for the state have also been turned into private money spinning ventures. And then they have the audacity to construct mansions worth crores of rupees which mock at our collective impotence to do anything! At least in the case of the coal mine owners, they are doing some work to show for what they earn. With politicians it is simply a case of special favours in lieu of money. Wheeling dealing and not governance is how most people look at their jobs as legislators.
However, it would be unfair to point fingers only at the politicians/ministers. What do we think our technical honchos in the Forest Department are doing? They are shamelessly declaring swathes of forest land as non-forest, scrubland? They are earning money right left and centre from coal and limestone mine owners who wish to deforest every available space under the earth. But I am wondering why the Income Tax Department does not do a surprise search in the homes of these high and mighty Forest Department officials who are in the income tax bracket by virtue of being non-tribals? When it comes to implementing projects that have some environmental component they are very slow. What happened to the Rs 8 crore zoo project? Why is it taking such a long time? Does Forest clearance for a coal and cement project take so long? Are the hurdles not crossed two at a time? It’s time we formed a group to take a hard look at all these high ranking officials and find out what their investment portfolio looks like. Some of us ought to use the microscope not to detect germs but to track the finances of these mercenaries. Some will be retiring soon. We need to do it before they scoot from Meghalaya to settle into the life of a rich landlord.
It makes me shudder to think that food (PDS rice, wheat, sugar, oil) and the special nutrition programme for undernourished children (converted to distribution of cheap noodles) should be so soaked in corruption. India compares with Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of malnourishment of children and women. It is to counter this shame and to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) stipulated by the United Nations that the Government of India has come up with innovative schemes to cater to the nutritional needs of the most underprivileged. But contractors, officers and politicians see every scheme as a money spinning venture! It’s shameful and pathetic! And it is a mockery of the system that they will continue to commit such crimes brazenly because they will never be caught. They will buy (in)justice by paying off everyone. No wonder, despite the huge volume of corruption in Meghalaya no one has been booked. Why is the pursuance of justice so shoddy and why is implementation of a court order so abysmal?
Those who are gung-ho about the Land Transfer Act or the Benami Act have remained uncannily quiet about the Land Ceiling Act. Would they like to do some research? Would they like to find out how much land is owned by a few names in Meghalaya and how much is in the name of non-tribals? Let’s look at the ratio. After all when we shout and rouse rabble we should also have the wherewithal to be a bit more authentic and prove our points with credible data.
I was disgusted to read a letter written by a pastor recently where he put the entire blame for illegal influx and land alienation on the Khasi woman. The man must be a misogynist of some kind to advance such ridiculously simplistic arguments. And to think that such a man of God also has the potential to influence a huge captive audience Sunday after Sunday is frightening. But that also is the breadth of Khasi thinking perhaps. We are so good at the blame game that we have no need to introspect on our own actions.
I have realised, albeit belatedly that the Land Ceiling Act has no takers. Hence the way forward is to lobby hard that Income tax be made payable the sooner the better. Look at how rich our politicians and bureaucrats are. They now do not send their children to school and college in India because these are not good enough. They send their kids to study in the UK, USA, Australia and later if there are universities set up in the moon we might also find them there. Are we envious of their kids? Of course we are and I will tell them why. Since their kids no longer study in Meghalaya they do not even care if the education system here is in the pits. After all it’s the stupid, poor tribal kids whose parents have no money to pack them off abroad who will continue to study here. Why care about them? If they have not learnt to cream off the system, it’s their fault.
Is anyone really keen to campaign for a better Meghalaya? And while a Lokayukta might or might not punish the powerful, Income Tax might bring some equilibrium. We need to fight corruption in all its forms lest violence rules the roost.