The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Tax woes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 03, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Tax woes

The municipalities have uncharitably enhanced house tax with effect from October 1. The Bhimavaram municipality, for instance, enhanced the half-yearly tax from Rs. 5,080 to Rs. 7,470, i.e. by 47 per cent at a time. It is well known that the cost of living in the State has drastically gone up, and the step taken by the municipalities has made the common man’s life miserable. The mode of taxation is unrealistic. If a portion of a house is given on rent to a business firm, the entire house is being counted as a commercial establishment. If a tenant does some business, how can the owner be penalised? I request the officials concerned to look into the issue.

N.V. Rama Rao

Bhimavaram,

West Godavari district

Sensible idea

The Central Government is going to make mandatory the display of pictorial warnings on cigarettes and other tobacco products about the damage caused to humans, from December 1.

It will be a more effective way of motivating the tobacco consumers to give up this pernicious habit than the display of most illegible statutory warning on the cigarette packs pointing to the injurious effects of tobacco.

As of now, nearly 12 countries have introduced pictorial warnings with the images of life threatening diseases caused by tobacco. The results have shown that the pictorial warnings have helped reduce the consumption of tobacco significantly in Canada, Australia and Singapore.

I. Subhash Samuel

Ulavapadu, Prakasam district

Remuneration issue

It is illogical to pay Rs. 1,000 a month to Vidya Volunteers working in high schools in the State while paying Rs. 1,500 a month to those working in primary and upper primary schools. As there are no regular teachers for important subjects like English, Mathematics and Science, these volunteers are rendering yeoman services in high schools. They are playing a significant role in achieving highest pass percentage in SSC examinations in many schools. Under these circumstances, the remuneration difference between primary and high schools will adversely affect the teaching activity in high schools.

Y. Pratapa Reddy

Tiruvuru,

Krishna district

Don’t ape Western culture

It is delightful to note that the Union Government is planning to accord more powers to the Press Council of India by amending the relevant Act. As the publication of obscene pictures in various magazines, including some daily newspapers of different languages, have a great impact on the minds of children and youth, it would be more appropriate on the part of the Government to impose ban on most indecent magazines, which disfigure the decency and culture of Indian women. India should not borrow or imitate the Western culture, which leaves stains on the Indian culture of high decency.

M. Blessing Moses

Penumantra, West Godavari district

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