Popcorn is the focus of tax policy

Apropos of ‘Simplify GST’; after the recent GST council meeting, popcorn has become a focal point of economic analysis and tax policy. This announcement left the public intrigued — not out of sorrow or shock, but rather in an effort to understand the thought process behind the decisions. It highlights the priorities of policymakers as every possible avenue for revenue generation is explored. It appears that even the simplest of items are receiving extraordinary attention. People are already burdened by inflation and unemployment. Complicating things by coming up with elaborate tax categories for a simple item like popcorn undermines the taxation system and deals a blow to the economy. It not only disregards consumer interests but also raises serious questions about the priorities of the GST system.

RK Jain, Barwani (MP)

Structural flaws in tax slabs

Refer to ‘Simplify GST’; the popcorn slabs exemplify structural flaws which go against the spirit of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. Bringing popcorn under its ambit, coupled with its unwarranted slabs, defies all norms of rationality. It also takes undue precedence over the much-expected revisiting of the tax regime in respect of the health insurance scheme, which is adversely affecting people. All this proves that the GST council’s self-serving priorities are letting down the masses. One wishes that it soon rises to the occasion and takes back ill-conceived proposals.

Kumar Gupt, Panchkula

States facing revenue crunch

Refer to ‘Simplify GST’; rationalisation and simplification of the tax regime for fiscal federalism is a prime requirement for the success of indirect tax collection. The main purpose of GST is to bring everything under one slab of tax, but it has not been achieved even after seven years of its implementation. Major taxable goods like liquor and fuel have remained out of the GST ambit. This has led to major pilferage and corruption. States have been reeling under a fiscal crisis due to the Centre’s dictates and late payment of revenue instalments.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (Retd), Mohali

Conduct regular inspections

With reference to ‘Safety compromised’; it is distressing that civic bodies do not pay requisite attention while allowing alterations or additions to buildings. Often, site plans approved for housing purposes in residential localities are converted into commercial constructions with the apparent connivance of officials, whereas the complaints made by residents are blatantly ignored. Periodic inspections are not carried out to identify potential hazards. The civic administration must be proactive in enforcing building regulations, while the owners and the community must be made aware of the safety standards. With the safety of citizens being the paramount concern, there should be no compromise on the construction and maintenance norms.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath, Kapurthala

Govt must ensure residents’ safety

Apropos of ‘Safety compromised’; the collapse of a three-storey building in Mohali, wherein two people lost their lives, is tragic. It happened as the building could not withstand digging in the adjacent plot. The city is witnessing a boom in the real estate sector, but builders and developers are using substandard material and unskilled labour, which leads to such incidents. Mohali is not the only affected city as such cases have been found in Gurugram as well. It’s the duty and responsibility of the government to strictly warn the developers to provide a safe building for residents. Homebuyers who put their entire life savings into the purchase of flats cannot bear losses.

Subhash C Taneja, Gurugram

A master storyteller

Shyam Benegal was a visionary filmmaker who won many prestigious honours and received appreciation in India and abroad. His death is a huge loss to Indian cinema. His storytelling technique and sensitivity left an indelible mark on India’s cinematic history. During his 50-year-long career, he inspired generations of filmmakers, who are also depicting social reality on screen with sincerity. A heartfelt adieu to this amazing storyteller.

Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur