SHILLONG, Feb 27: Civil societies and Congress have slammed the cash-strapped Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government for its decision to reimburse 95% of dues payable to Income Tax department by non-tribal All India Service (AIS) officers serving in the state and 25% income tax dues of the state’s tribal employees working in state government offices outside Meghalaya.
The decision will cost the Meghalaya government Rs 1.45 crore annually.
Senior Congress leader, Ampareen Lyngdoh said it would have an adverse impact on the state’s finance. “It would be pertinent to inquire on the correctness of state government to waiver income tax which is a Central subject. It would also be fair to inquire on the contents of the Finance Ministry’s notification for incentives for AIS,” Lyngdoh said.
There is yet another committed slab of reimbursement of income tax payments made by tribal officers posted in another state which will have to be calculated and included in this one of its kind incentive for AIS, she said.
Lyngdoh questioned if this incentive also covers all other officials who have to pay income tax. “Aren’t these citizens working as dedicatedly and earnestly for the government? Aren’t they worthy of equal recognition?” she asked.
“Too many employees of the government working in so many sectors are awaiting government nod on their salary dues, salary packages not attended to for so long, and also awaiting government attention for inclusion of minimum increments and perks. This decision taken by the government needs an explanation. The public can ask if clarity is found wanting,” the Congress leader said.
CSWO expresses shock
“It definitely smells of a bribe and scams will be hidden. Where is the money coming from when the poor people in the state are running for medicines, ration cards, jobs and when children and women are dying,” Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) president, Agnes Kharshiing said.
Stating that the Land Transfer Act was violated and land was given to some rich IAS officers in New Shillong Township for IAS Colony, she said the government is providing a relief to the officers who are already highly-paid. “This is unfounded. We question who proposed this absurd decision. Those in power cannot abuse their post and make their own rules. We urge the IAS officers to oppose any wrong decisions by those in power and not succumb to bribe and destroy their principles and the oath which they took,” Kharshiing added.