Why exempt State employees from paying Income Tax
Private sector employees are said to be better paid than State 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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why not abolish income tax for all!.
it’s the most unethical of all the taxes - a tax on sucess!.
Comment by Deane — August 7, 2006 @ 2:58 pm
deane is right. income tax is unethical.
best tax if we want one, is a flat tax on consumption.
practically speaking sl will not be able to reform the public service until somebody find some way to get most of them to leave. unp government had the right idea about voluntary retirement scheme. pity it was not carried out .
as long as there are over 1 million ( reportedly ) public servants there will be political toadying to them.
Comment by sittingnut — August 7, 2006 @ 8:56 pm