Friday, February 16, 2007

Boiling Blood and Blowing Lids in Delhi

Had the pleasure of introducing M to the family weekend last in Delhi. Lovely time it was, and, quietly, quite momentous too. A slow motion free fall... And all the better for it.

But, I digress. I am on a self-righteous crib fest.

Nobody likes paying taxes.

And nobody likes paying someone else's!

But this is the stark choice that Delhi traders are throwing to the public.

"This watch strap? Rs 250 only saar... What, you want to pay by Debit Card? Then 16% service tax. For the service of putting the strap on your watch! But if you pay by cash, and dont ask for a bill, then 'service tax' forgivem onlee saar..."

Pretty ingenious. If you pay by card, then the money is traceable, hence 'white' and hence, taxable. So the merchant very nicely throws the burden back to you, to pay his taxes for him. Else pay in cash. Untraceable and black!

Its a petty extortion con. Pay on my terms, or pay my taxes.

Bugger all.

2 comments:

Saumil Mehta said...

hmmm...so you finally gathered courage to go public - or was this also her suggestion ;)

Nanana said...

Kaun mili?