Recently, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman questioned the morality of indian taxpayers, hinting that too many citizens try to avoid paying taxes. But before pointing fingers at the people, perhaps the government should first look at its own track record. Why don’t indians feel motivated to pay taxes? The answer is simple: because the system gives little in return.
Here’s why taxpayers feel cheated in India:
1. Forced Patriotism Is Not Tax Policy
Citizens don’t earn money to perform forced “desh seva.” Taxes are meant to build systems that give back to society—not fund propaganda, vanity projects, or crony capitalism.
2. Direct Tax, But No Direct Benefits
In developed nations, paying taxes guarantees basics like pensions, public healthcare, unemployment support, and quality education. In India, taxpayers still pay extra for private hospitals, private schools, and even for drinking water.
3. Lavish politics vs. Empty Welfare
While politicians enjoy free perks, palatial bungalows, and endless privileges on taxpayer money, the common man gets potholes, broken infrastructure, and skyrocketing inflation. Why should people trust a system stacked against them?
4. Corruption Breaks Trust
When scams run into lakhs of crores and politicians’ relatives miraculously become billionaires, taxpayers naturally question whether their hard-earned money is building the nation or funding corruption.
5. No Social Security Net
In India, if you lose your job, fall sick, or retire without savings, the government offers next to nothing. Compare this to europe or even smaller Asian nations, where taxes guarantee dignity in crisis.
👉 The Bottom Line: indians don’t hate taxes—they hate the broken system where taxes don’t translate into benefits. Before blaming citizens, the Finance minister should fix governance, ensure accountability, and deliver visible returns. Until then, taxes will feel less like a duty and more like daylight robbery.
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