Income Tax exemption issue is an attack on Sikkimese Nepalese: Chamling

SNS, Gangtok, 15 July 2013: Addressing the emotive issue of the Income Tax exemption for the old settlers, mostly of the Indian origin, in Sikkim, the Chief Minister Mr Pawan Chamling said the issue is no longer a political one. 

“It is now a legal matter and it would have to be fought in the court. The issue having come to the fore with such a vicious force has exposed our inherent weakness and it amounts to a straight attack on our rights,” he said while addressing a Press conference on the occasion of Bhanu Jayanti in Gangtok last Saturday. 

Notably, the writ petition filed by some members of the Association of the Old Settlers of Sikkim (AOSS) at the Supreme Court, demanding IT exemption for the old settlers on par with the holders of the Sikkim Subject Certificate holders has triggered a firestorm of protest, particularly from the majority Nepalese community across the state. 

Mr Chamling iterated his government’s stance that the business community people have been recognised as the left-out Sikkimese for IT exemption and other facilities. 

Warning the people of Sikkim of bad days ahead, he said the Centre, particularly the Parliament of India, can do away with the special privileges being enjoyed by Sikkim and its people vide Article 371-F of the Constitution at any point of time. ‘The security provided by clause ‘k’ of Article 371-F will remain as long as the Centre wants. It can go anytime,” said the Chief Minister. 

“Since the matter related to the IT exemption is in the court we have to abide by its outcome. The issue could have been addressed politically instead of it being dragged into the court,” he said. 

Dwelling on the significance on the Bhanu Bhakta Jayanti, he said the people here must broaden the vistas of their mental world to remain vibrant in the fast-changing global society. “In today’s time and age, remaining loyal to one’s ethnic identity is not enough. We have to develop our thoughts and mindset according to the changing times. 

Events like Bhanu Jayanti should be celebrated as Jaatiya Ekta Diwas,” he said.