Why exempt State employees from paying Income Tax
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employees and are liable to pay Income Tax; but not apparently, the
less paid, State employees.
Is this the actual situation? Is their salaries the only remuneration
they are entitled to?
This is a myth when one takes into consideration the other benefits
they are entitled to besides their salaries such as rent allowance,
three railway warrants for them - their wives and children; fifty two
days leave in all, and now an enhanced living allowance up to Rs. 2,100
and a pension to boot after retirement.
This is not all, they are entitled to overtime now, even exceeding
their monthly salary, not to speak of being paid when they go on strike
at the drop of a hat; the unethical sick note campaigns! Work to rule
with full pay, which, any case is not followed while attending to
private matters during office hours.
There is of course another source of hidden income except for a few,
their palms having to be oiled for anything to be got done.
It must be remembered that there was a time when public officers paid
Income Tax when Dr. N. M. Perera was the Finance Minister and T. B.
Ilangaratne was a Cabinet Minister, both Trade Union leaders.
It was only after politics crept into the public service and
politicians were more interested in gathering votes than service to
public that payment of Income Tax was abolished; and what is more,
Government regulations were openly flouted and the already corrupt
practices became the rule.
Thus, this discrimination between them and all others began.
What is suggested is that there be a level playing field. Everybody who
by law is expected to pay this tax should pay it. (I wonder whether
this would precipitate a general strike)
Anyhow, it is hoped that public sector employees will take this in good
spirit and would not mind that small percentage of their emoluments
being taxed and feel proud and grateful.
Repaying in some small measure mostly the poor who provided them with a
free education and that the Minister of Finance will boldly take up
this challenge!
Tissa Amarasekera - Kandy.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2006/08/07/main_Letters.asp
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