Letter to the Editor

Ban on Cigarettes

Rejection of luxury or any other taxes imposed on cigarettes by Supreme Court raises twin points. First, the Apex Court has rightly rejected the state-tax because tobacco-products already carry additional excise-duty which goes to states' accounts in lieu of local taxes. Rather it is time to simplify the tax-structure in simple-most manner by having single-point tax at the manufacturing-point on all commodities with simple tax-rate without any surcharge, cess or any other confusing additive! Formula can be evolved for distributing such single tax between Centre and the States. System will simplify and economise tax collection with extra-large added revenue by effectively checking tax-evasions at various stages.

Second aspect relates to continue with sale and manufacture of admittedly health-hazard cigarettes. India must follow Ireland and Bhutan to impose a complete ban on cigarettes. Government has to spend much more revenue on smoke-related diseases than revenue earned through tax on cigarettes. Otherwise also, how far it is sensible for a government to let people poison themselves just to mobilize extra taxes?

- Madhu Aggarwal,
Delhi

Let Voters Think and Vote

When it comes to asserting their right at the time of voting, people do not comprehend issues properly for a variety of reasons. This results in all kind of problems and crimes in society which are mostly instigated by elected representatives. Instead of looking after the welfare of the people some of these wrongly chosen representatives behave as group and mafia leaders looking after their own stooges. Let us hope this time voters will examine issues and listen to the voice of their conscience while voting.

- Ashok Kumar,
Patna

Rajasthan Govt. Should Go

The BJP government in Rajasthan has failed on all fronts. The assurance of jobs to educated unemployed and trained teachers has proved false. The law and order situation is also in a dismal condition. The availability of power is very poor. The assurance of eight hours' supply of electricity has proved hollow and the industries are closing down because of it. The adivasi community is suffering from malnutrition. The Central government should dismiss the Rajasthan BJP government under section-356 of the Constitution.

- Pusaram Chauhan,
Churu, Rajasthan

Shining Sonia Gandhi

I read Archana Dalmia's article in the December issue of the Congress Sandesh. Smt. Sonia Gandhi's decision to step into politics was correct and timely. The country was passing through an unstable phase and to keep intact the unity and integrity of the nation, Smt. Gandhi had to step in. Her role as a daughter-in-law, wife and a mother was appropriate. Smt. Gandhi was already praise-worthy and is today and will be praiseworthy tomorrow too. In my view she not only shone in the year 2004 but will continue to shine forever and others will always be a shade less than her.

- Anil Galgali,
Sakinaka, Mumbai