Thursday, November 30, 2017

Not a Good and Simple Tax


Over-taxation is theft. A complicated tax regime is a perfect smokescreen to facilitate this theft and was imposed upon us packaged in lies like improving the ease of doing business, improving tax compliance etc. When tax revenues increase with no corresponding increase in government services and welfare provision, the government turns dispossessor and needs to be voted out of power.
When the Congress came up with the idea of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), it wanted to bring India under a single tax system instead of the accounting nightmare where different states levied different taxes for the same goods and services. We wanted to cap this tax at 18% in the interest of affordability and to keep up domestic demand for Indian commodities. Modi’s Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian advocated a lower cap of 15.5% and was summarily ignored. While in the Opposition, the BJP had done its very best to stop the UPA from implementing GST and made sure it was dead on arrival. The Modi Sarkar has ensured that instead of the envisaged ‘Single Rate of Tax’ we have five or six rates of tax, 0.25%, 3%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% and 40%, with most goods and services falling in higher brackets like 18% and 28%. This was a deliberate distortion of the vision of the Congress, which according to former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram was: “A ‘single’ GST rate means a standard rate as well as a standard plus rate (on demerit goods) and a standard minus rate (on merit goods). Some goods and services will also be totally exempt.” Instead, the tax-hungry BJP would have us believe that dal should be sold under different GST tax brackets because some of it is “branded”. This designer dal theory is unsurprisingly too rich for the ordinary Indian to stomach. The Modi Sarkar’s Frequent Flier Miles have stopped short of impressing upon them the fact that the most successful economies in the world make sure to minimise the number of tax slabs to one or two and apply them with a great degree of uniformity and predictability.
The Congress view of GST thus included the following broad fundamentals -
Single Band Tax: A single common base, rather than 5, for Centre and State, which subsumes all taxes, capped with a maximum limit of 18%.
Common Exemptions: Similar exemptions between Centre, State and product categories rather than the system of private lobbying as is the case in the present BJP version of GST.
Easy Compliance: A single, all-powerful GST Network where everyone can file their GST with a single configuration of submission, rather than the convoluted GSTN that currently exists.
Contrarily, as things stand, even BJP-ruled governments like Rajasthan are finding it difficult to get a gist of what GST rates they are meant to be applying. Tenders worth approximately Rs. 200 crores have been stuck in the Jaipur Municipal Corporation as neither the government officials nor contractors know what GST rates would be applicable on the tender bills, yet put their bravest face on, to tell the angry public they’ll soon grow to love the Prime Minister’s so-called ‘Good and Simple Tax’.
Filing this Good and Simple Tax has proven more treacherous and complicated for businesses than passing the Cape of Good Hope in an inflatable dingy. Only 35 lakh businesses out of 75 lakh businesses that migrated to the new system were able to file GST returns for the month of August and this percentage is unlikely to improve soon, not only because of the acrobatics required by armies of Chartered Accountants hired for the purpose of adapting to the BJP’s idea of ease of doing business, but because the Modi Sarkar for all its big talk about e-governance and Digital India can’t even create a website that works without crashing. The company it has tasked with the supremely challenging job of building a website to file this Good and Simple Tax, the Goods and Services Tax Network, admits to not even conducting basic testing of the final version of the software due to a shortage of time and labour. Minister Jaitley, in retrospect, could have bought his hapless team time if he had been so kind as to allow our Parliament to function democratically and discuss the GST bills instead of hurrying them through to escape oversight and score electoral brownie points. Instead, India’s citizens and small businesses must once more be treated like guinea pigs for his half-baked policies, invariably served up with double-speak.


The BJP’s GST has put the Indian economy in a sticky situation, with GDP growth sliding down to its lowest in three years at only 5.7% in the first (June) quarter of 2017 as a direct result of GST from an already sluggish 6.1%, thanks to the demonetisation disaster. Together GST and demonetisation, the BJP’s most prized silver bullets, have killed the ability of Indian businesses to create or sustain jobs. The All India Manufacturers’ Organisation reports 30% job losses in large export-led industries, 45% job losses in medium and large infrastructure companies and 35% job losses in micro and small businesses. Manufacturing grew only 1.2% this quarter compared to 10.7% in the same quarter last year. While the BJP’s midnight GST launch was star-studded, the high streets the next day were studded with shops that were either closed for business due to the uncertainty or had a frenzy, practically giving away their wares at throwaway prices to claim benefits on old stock. The gluttons in government are boasting that government revenue in August alone was colossal at 93,000 crore rupees, little caring that this has come from administering a death blow to consumer spending and increasing imports. State governments as fifty percent partners in splitting the GST have not even squeaked in protest on behalf of the citizens they’re helping the Modi Sarkar to extort. They fail to realise, that unless there’s an economic turnaround soon with the help of drastically reduced taxes, their windfall is unsustainable.

Sunday, November 5, 2017

The Great Nepanagar

Nepanagar is an industrial township in Burhanpur district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Nepanagar is famous for its newsprint paper mill, Nepa Mills Limited (earlier known as The National News Print Ltd).
The word "NEPA" is coined from National Environment Protection Authority, hence the name. This small township falls between Burhanpur and Khandwa and is surrounded by many small villages. This place is accessible by main line railway that runs between Bhusawal Junction and Itarsi Junction. Nepanagar is also accessible by Road from the route going to Burhanpur. At Asirgarh the road bifucates into an ill maintained road that goes to Nepanagar. The total distance is 14 km. There is no airport at this little town.
The Nepa mill area is covered in 107 acres of land and township 1762 acres totalling 1869 acres of land. There is a well-developed township in Nepa, which is equipped with all the facilities. The Company has 2164 residential quarters in the township.

History

NEPA pioneered manufacturing of newsprint in the country. It was founded in 1948 and start its commenced production from April, 1956 with an installed capacity of 30,000 TPA. the main raw materials were Salai wood and Bamboo which were available in abundance in the forests around Nepanagar.
The mill embarked upon major expansion programmes in 1967 and subsequently in 1978 and 1989 to increase its installed capacity to 88,000 TPA. Presently, the Company has switched to Waste paper as basic raw material from original forest based and has thus been able to reduce cost of production. The in-house modifications/alterations to the pulping plants have also helped in processing various quality of waste paper to manufacture Newsprint. Mills is meeting its 100% requirement from Captive Power generation.
Originally NEPA was a single product Company producing standard Newsprint. The Company has produced for the first time in India, 42 GSM newsprint meeting practically all international parameters of strength, opacity, surface smoothness, brightness etc. Thus, NEPA is now able to meet the demand across all categories of Newsprint customers.
NEPA has also recently initiated the manufacture of Economy newsprint by using old newspaper and overissue newspaper to cater to the requirement of the lowest segments of the market at minimal of cost, yet maintaining all other parameters of quality though in lower brightness.The factor that is responsible for this paper industry is river Tapti.

Demographics

As of 2011 India census, Nepanagar had a population of 29,682.

Educational institutes

This town has a number of schools & colleges providing education to students of town and surrounding villages. Prominent among these are Kendriya Vidyalaya, Nepa Higher Secondary School, Citizen Higher Secondary School, St. A.G. Convent School, PJN Government College, ITI college & Government School

Scenario

Nepamill was floated by M/s Nair Press Syndicate Limited, a private entrepreneur, on 25 January 1947, the first Newsprint Mill in the country. The company is serving the nation for the last 50 years. After 50 years of existence and remaining for the first 35 years as the only newsprint-manufacturing mill in the country conserving the then scarce foreign exchange, Nepa Limited is one of the oldest Public Sector Undertakings.
Nepa Ltd is centrally located in the ranges of Satpura, 525 km North East of Mumbai at Nepanagar. The Company was taken over by the Government of Central Province and Berar at present Madhya Pradesh in October 1949. The commercial production commenced on 26 April 1956. Subsequently, the Government of India took over controlling interest in 1958. Till 16 August 1996, NEPA was using wood pulp for paper-making. The mill has successfully switched over operations with only waste paper recycling route.

Historical places

Asirgarh Fort

The Asirgarh Fort, at a distance about 17 km by road, has its importance in history and was known as 'Gateway to South (Dakshin ka Dwaar)'. It was so because whoever wants to win south had to win and pass through it. A victory over this fortress meant the kingdom of Khandesh, which in turn meant a smooth road to Deccan. It was considered as an impregnable fortress during Mugal Period.
The ownership of the fort between 14th-16th Century was in hands of Adil Shah Farouqui. After him the fort passed on to his successor Bahadur Shah Faroqui who was not considered as a farsighted king. As soon as Akbar came to know of this he dispatched an army to conquer Asirgarh Fort. Bahadur Shah got the wind of Akbar's plans and he too proceeded swiftly and fortified his fortress. Consequently, the armies of the Mughal emperor were stuck here laying siege to the fort for almost 10 years.
It is evidence of how well-stocked the fortress was during that time that people and army inside had enough provision for food and water. Every attempt to take the fort was repulsed by the soldiers of the Shah. Finally sick of the battle, Akbar one day called Bahadur Shah to his camp for a meeting and there had him summarily dispatched to happy hunting grounds above.
When the dying king accused Akbar of treachery, the emperor replied with that age-old lesson, "Everything is fair in Politics and government." Later Akbar showered gold and silver on Bahadur Shah's generals and won his way through to the fort. Finally on 17 January 1609 Akbar became the lord of the Asirgarh fort. Since then the fort remained in the hands of the Mughals.
The fortress is home to a tenth-century temple of Shiva. Asha mandir of Hindu Goddess Asha-devi is located on the hills of this village.In the vicinity of Asirgarh, there is a tomb of Shah Nomani Asiri, a saint, a believer of Sufism. Moti Mahal, the burial place of Moti Begam, beloved of Shah Jahan is to the left of the fort and situated at the bank of Pandhar River.

Mythology

'Sita-Nahaani' in the nearby village 'Bid' has its relations with 'Ramaayan'. It is said that Lord Shri Ram while in 'Vanvaas' once stayed at this place where Sitajitook bath. The source of sweet water here is said to be made by the arrow of Lord Shri Ram.
The Shiv Temple at Asirgarh Fort is known by the people as the place where 'Ashwaththama' (Son of Dronacharaya, Mahabharat epic) use to visit regularly (even today) to worship Lord Shiv.
In 1970 Shri Veerabhadreshwar Swamy temple has been established by Veershaiva Lingayata community. Temple is inaugurated (pranpratishtha) by Sri 1008 Jagadguru doctor Chandrashekhar Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, pithadhipati (director) of Sri Jagadguru Vishvaradhya Gyanasimhasana Jangamavadi math, Varanasi, India. This is the one and only Shri Veerabhadrashwar Swamy temple in the heart of country, Madhya Pradesh. Statue of Shri Veerabhadra Swamy is made up of black stone and in Pattern of historical temples in southern India. In this 35 years old temple. Other temples in temple premises are Shiv Linga and "mata sati devi".

Friday, November 3, 2017

आज से मैंने ये तय किया है कि जब तक कांग्रेस उपाध्यक्ष राहुल गांधी विपक्ष में रहेंगे, सोशल मीडिया पे उनके खिलाफ नहीं लिखूँगा।

यह एक लेखक ने लिखा है
इंदिरा और राहुल
आज से मैंने ये तय किया है कि जब तक कांग्रेस उपाध्यक्ष राहुल गांधी विपक्ष में रहेंगे, सोशल मीडिया पे उनके खिलाफ नहीं लिखूँगा।
उनकी आलोचना का लेंस अब उसी दिन खोलूंगा, जिस दिन वो सत्ता में आएंगे। बहुत सोच-विचार के ये निर्णय लिया है। सुबह जब से इंदिरा गांधी की मौत पे बीबीसी में रेहान फ़ज़ल की रपट पढ़ी, तब से बेचैन था। भला ये कैसे हो सकता है कि एक प्रधानमंत्री ने ऑपरेशन ब्लू स्टार चलाकर धर्मभीरू सिखों को आहत कर दिया हो और जब खुफिया रिपोर्ट उनकी टेबल पे आए कि सिख सुरक्षाकर्मी उनकी जान के लिए खतरा हो सकते हैं तो प्रधानमंत्री उस फाइल पर सिर्फ तीन शब्द लिखें- Aren't we secular?
इतना बड़ा दिल, इतनी हिम्मत और देश की संस्कृति और इसके मिजाज के समझने का ऐसा नजरिया सिर्फ इंदिरा गांधी के पास हो सकता था, जिन्होंने अपना बचपन बापू के साए में बिताया था। वो जानती थीं कि अगर धर्म के नाम पर उन्होंने सिख सुरक्षाकर्मियों को अपनी सिक्योरिटी से हटाया तो इतिहास हमेशा ये लिखेगा कि देश के प्रधानमंत्री ने धर्म के नाम पर अपने सुरक्षा गार्डों से भेदभाव किया। ये जानते हुए कि तत्कालीन परिस्थितियों में उनकी जान को गंभीर खतरा है, उन्होंने राजधर्म का पालन किया। ये मामूली बात नहीं है।
आज जब छोटे से छोटा टुटपुजिया राजनेता ओछी राजनीति के लिए धर्म का खुलेआम बेजा इस्तेमाल करता है और धर्म के नाम पर जनता में जहर बोता है और फिर अपनी सुरक्षा में सैकड़ों जवान लिए घूमता है कि कहीं कोई उनको मार ना दे, इस भीड़ में इंदिरा जी एक मिसाल थीं, आदर्श थी। और अपने आदर्श के लिए उन्होंने अपनी जान तक की परवाह नहीं की।
आज मैं ये कहने का साहस कर रहा हूं कि स्वर्गीय इंदिरा गांधी की हत्या नहीं की गई थी। उन्होंने आत्महत्या की थी, देश की एकता और अखंडता के लिए। ये कोई सोच भी सकता है भला कि प्रधानमंत्री को उन्हीं की सुरक्षा में तैनात जवान 28-30 गोली मार के उनके जिस्म को छलनी-छलनी कर सकते हैं? वो भी तब जब सैकड़ों सिक्युरिटी लेयर से गुजरने के बाद इन जवानों को प्रधानमंत्री और राष्ट्रपति की सुरक्षा में लगाया जाता है. इंदिरा गांधी के लिए बहुत आसान था कि ऑपरेशन ब्लू स्टार के बाद वो सिख सुरक्षाकर्मियों को अपनी सिक्योरिटी से हटा देतीं, वो भी तब जब इस बाबत खुफिया रिपोर्ट उनकी टेबल पर थी, पर उन्होंने ऐसा नहीं किया।
आगे की कहानी तो और दर्दनाक है. खून से लथपथ प्रधानमंत्री को एम्स ले जाया जा रहा है और उनका सिर बहू सोनिया गांधी की गोद में है। सोनिया का पूरा गाउन इंदिरा के खून से सनकर लाल हो चुका है। उस दृश्य की जी रही सोनिया के दिलोदिमाग पर क्या असर पड़ा होगा, ये बस अंदाजा ही लगाया जा सकता है। फिर जब मृतप्राय इंदिरा जी को लेकर कार एम्स पहुंची तो पता चला कि देश के प्रधानमंत्री को गोलियों से छलनी करने की खबर किसी ने एम्स को नहीं दी ताकि स्टैंड बाई में उनके लिए डॉक्टर और इमरजेंसी सेवाएं खड़ी रहतीं। सिर्फ गेट खुलवाने में 3-4 मिनट का कीमती समय बर्बाद हो गया। इतनी सादगी, इतना समर्पण!
वो देश की सबसे ताकतवर और लोकप्रिय प्रधानमंत्री थीं, जिसने पाकिस्तान के दो टुकड़े कर दिए। कोई मजाक नहीं था। और जब वो जिंदगी मौत से जूझ रही थीं तो देश की राजधानी में उन तक इमरजेंसी मेडिकल सर्विस भी वक्त तक नहीं पहुंचीं, बहुत अफसोसनाक है ये सब कुछ।
और इस हृदय विदारक हादसे से गुजरने के बाद सोनिया गांधी ने अपने पति की लाश के टुकड़े देखे होंगे तो उन पे क्या एहसास गुजरा होगा, ये क्लपनातीत है। घर के दोनों बच्चे प्रियंका और राहुल ने ये सब अपनी आंखों के सामने घटते देखा और इनकी स्मृतियां उनके मस्तिष्क पर कैसी उभरी होंगी, किसी को नहीं मालूम। ठीक उसी तरह जब आज दुनिया को मालूम चल रहा है कि राहुल गांधी ने चुपचाप निर्भया के भाई को पायलट बनाने में मदद की और उनके पिता की टेम्परेरी नौकरी पक्की करवाई पर सख्त हिदायत दी कि इसका ढिंढोरा ना पीटा जाए। ये संस्कार हैं, जो इन्हें परिवार से मिले हैं।
सो मेरे लिए आज के बाद राहुल गांधी ना तो पप्पू हैं और ना बाबा। वो एक मैच्योर युवा हैं, जिनको पता है कि देश के हालात आज क्या हैं और अब वो इसे अपनी अगुुवाई में हैंडल करने के आतुर दिखते हैं। परिवार में दो-दो क्रूर हत्याएं देखने के बाद सत्ता संभालने की जो हिचक सोनिया-राहुल में दिखती थी, वो अब मुझे नहीं दिखती। सत्ता के शीर्ष पर होकर दो-दो जानें देश के लिए कुर्बान करने की ये मिसाल मुझे दुनिया में कहीं नहीं दिखतीं। अगर राहुल में कोई कमी है तो वो धीरे-धीरे सीख जाएंगे पर अब मुझे इस बात में कोई संदेह नहीं कि राहुल को एक बार देश की कमान सौंपकर आजमाने का वक्त आ गया है।
सो लोकतंत्र के यज्ञ में देश की जनता राहुल को लिए आहुति देगी या नहीं, ये तो उसे तय करना है. लेकिन आज के बाद कम से कम मैं राहुल गांधी को सीरियली सुनूंगा और उनकी बात को वजन दूंगा। गलतियां सब से होती हैं, भगवान कृष्ण से भी हुई थीं और गांधारी ने उनको इसीलिए श्राप भी दिया था कि हे मधुसूदन ! जब आप अपने बल से दोनों पक्षों को समझाकर महाभारत का युद्ध टाल सकते थे तो फिर क्यों कुरु वंश का सर्वानाश होने दिया? इस पे कृष्ण ने गंभीरता से अपनी गलती मानी थी और अपने वंश के नष्ट होने के गांधारी के श्राप को स्वीकार किया था। वो तो भगवान के अवतार थे और राहुल गांधी एक मानव। इसलिए उनकी पुरानी गलतियों को भुलाकर मैं राहुल गांधी को एक मौका देने को तैयार हूं। अगर वे देश नहीं चला पाएंगे तो उनकी भी कटु आलोचना होगी और उन्हें जनता सत्ता से निकाल-बाहर करेगी। लेकिन एक मौका तो उनको मिलना चाहिए, ऐसा मेरा मानना है।
और अंत मे यशस्वी प्रधानमंत्री और अटल जी के शब्दों में -दुर्गा- यानी स्वर्गीय इंदिरा गांधी को मेरा नमन।