Old settlers unmoved on Pranab’s comment on IT exemption

HM Report

Gangtok, November 4: The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim (AOSS) has expressed indifference on the recent comment by Union Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee that virtually rejected the old settlers’ plea for income tax exemption. On Tuesday, Mr.Mukherjee had ruled out extending income tax exemption to about 400 families saying that the demand did not meet the criteria laid down by the state government for granting income tax exemption to the Sikkimese people last year.

When asked on the development, Mr.Suresh Agarwal, General Secretary, AOSS reiterating the old settlers’ stand said “ the union minister’s submission is as per record as on date”. He further said that the state had never said not to extend Income tax exemption to the old settlers. Hopeful on the state government’s attempt towards income tax exemption to the old settlers, Mr.Agarwal said “if the state finds fit, then the centre would recommend our cause”.

It may be mentioned here that the old settlers had demanded income tax exemption for themselves on the grounds of equality before law. Earlier, a six member high level committee of the state government had transferred the onus to the aggrieved old settlers asking them to seek legal and constitutional advice to pursue the matter with the centre.