Editor,
I am thankful to the DTO Mr H.F Khongsit for his promptly written clarification captioned, “Rejoinder from DTO Shillong” (ST Sep 13, 2016). This is what the public expects from the concerned authorities.
However, with all sincerity, I would like to impress upon the DTO that some section of owners and drivers of the local taxis are not happy with the way the old permits are being resold at exorbitant prices. Perhaps it is for this particular reason that people often rant and rave in public by directly pointing accusing fingers at the DTO though this office is not at all aware of such shady deals being struck on the sly. Keeping in view this fact, is it not worthwhile for the DTO to look for ways to crack down on those who resell the old permits at a higher price by buying that from the first owners at the lesser price? After all, the responsibility lies with the DTO as well to probe such underhand deals concerning permits. It is rife on the grapevine that there are some brokers/agents who are allegedly involved in reselling of the old permits. I feel Mr. H.F Khongsit as well agrees that no backstreet touts should ever bring the DTO into disrepute. Anyway, the main concern of the Shillongite now is the traffic jam. The authorities must work out all possible measures for a lasting solution. Putting an immediate stop to the issuance of fresh permits for private vehicles is a very essential prerequisite. The town’s roads cannot accommodate anymore vehicles.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali
Shillong-2
India needs to look beyond Uri
Editor,
This refers to the front-page report, “Will not forget Uri, Pakistan will be isolated : PM Modi” (ST, Sep 25, 2016). Indeed, India cannot forget Uri. She cannot forget Una either. In fact, there is no difference between Uri and Una. These two gory incidents showcase how divisive forces are bent on destroying the integrity of our country. India should launch diplomatic war outside and go to war against prejudices like casteism and untouchability that are corroding national fraternity within our own backyard. It is also time to start the work for human development on a war footing for inclusive growth so that unity for all the Indians can be built on the solid foundation of education and employment.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
Not all tax payers are fraudsters
Editor,
Press reports state that I-T Dept Raids Roadside Eateries, Small Businesses to Make IDS a Success, (September 22, 2016). Anyone who has ever dealt in penny stocks or has a company that has a lot of related party transactions has been questioned. Surprisingly, many companies that have filed for returns were also told by the tax officials to declare money under IDS. It is illogical and absurd on the part of the Income Tax Department so think that all tax payers are tax evaders. It cannot force people to disclose the so called black money but yes it can take legal action after filing of tax returns if there is sufficient evidence that true income is not declared by a tax payer. Shockingly letters are sent to many tax payers who have already filed their income tax returns including Senior Citizens and Ex –Army personnel saying that if true income is not declared in their ITRs they should avail the opportunity and declare their black money under IDS.
The Prime Minister has promised to ease the rules for middle-class taxpayers, while taking credit for this government removing various hurdles such as those related to refunds.
Some time back the I-T Department had sent emails and SMSes to taxpayers saying “Declare undisclosed income under income declaration scheme 2016. Get immunity from enquiry and prosecution. Scheme open till 30/09/2016.” There should be sufficient proof of tax evasion or hoarding of black money before the department sends such messages to them. Even notice under the I-T Act for re-opening a case needs sufficient evidence of tax evasion or concealment of income. How come such e-mails/SMSes were being sent without any evidence to all taxpayers resulting in mental agony for honest payers? Advertisements are different from personal accounts of E- mails and SMSs (mobiles).
India is the only country in the world where the I-T department treats all taxpayers as tax evaders. What a fall of the Modi government as regards to the attitude of its income tax department. Such an attitude is absurd and irritating for the citizens of India.
Yours etc.,
M Kumar,
Via email