Ignorant public is paying unwanted taxes. Increased fuel prices and rising inflation have hurt us, opines Enakshi. An exclusive for Different Truths.
Fuel prices are skyrocketing, hotels and restaurants are looting public in the name of service tax and the ignorant people are doing nothing other than continuing to spend without questioning the motive behind the increase in prices and the stagnant salaries. While several companies have cut down the annual salaries of many employees, the government is hell-bent on ‘reviving’ the economy by raising the prices of basic necessities like petrol, gas cylinders, diesel, and additional tax on food items.
On Valentine’s Day, my husband and I decided to venture out of our house and go on a quiet date. Afterall, Covid-19 had put a halt on such date nights…
On Valentine’s Day, my husband and I decided to venture out of our house and go on a quiet date. Afterall, Covid-19 had put a halt on such date nights, and we needed that time together to step out of the house occasionally! So, we headed to our favourite pub which we love because of its ambiance, food and of course, drinks! Needless to say, that we were happy campers when we entered and found the table that had been reserved for us. As time passed, the glasses became empty and more food kept coming onto the table, we could not help but think about the bill that would surely burn a hole in our pocket. But it was alright. It was the day to celebrate love! So, we gave that thought a pass.
We asked the waiter to bring the bill and were ready to book the cab and head home. But who knew what was in store for us! The bill was put on the table and the additional Service Tax of 10% had added an extra 300 INR to the total amount. Wondering what to do next, I stepped forward (not literally) and spoke, ‘Kindly eliminate this service tax. We do not wish to pay.’
He looked flushed. Giving me a distasteful look, he pretended as if I had said something to him in pure gibberish.
‘What happened?’ I asked.
‘Sir, will you pay using the card or cash?’ He asked my husband conveniently ignoring what I had asked him.
‘Excuse me, I said we are not paying the additional service tax,’ I reiterated.
‘Sir, you can pay this time. Next time when you come, I will make sure that you don’t have to pay this tax.’
… some men still think that decisions related to money can only be taken by menfolk. Two, the waiter was actually urging us to pay up the tax that is supposed to be optional.
Yet again he ignored my statement and spoke to my husband. It was at that moment that two things struck me. One, that some men still think that decisions related to money can only be taken by menfolk. Two, the waiter was actually urging us to pay up the tax that is supposed to be optional.
According to the Food and Consumer Affairs Minister, Ram Vilas Paswan, “The service charge being taken from the consumer in the hostels and restaurants mandatorily has been declared illegal.” Even though the Union Government approved guidelines are only advisory, they clearly mention that customers cannot be forced to pay the service tax. Hence, the moment I pointed that out, the waiter hopefully waited for my husband to take a call.
Eventually, we ended up paying the amount that did not include the service tax, but the waiter did not come back and offer us the fennel seeds with mint!
Eventually, we ended up paying the amount that did not include the service tax, but the waiter did not come back and offer us the fennel seeds with mint! We understood and we obliged.
Two things that I learnt that day were that Indians are so full of themselves that they often fall prey to ignorance and unawareness. If you do not believe me, ask your friends, and see if they know about this ‘service tax’ being optional.
With the rise in prices, the people are worried, yes. But what will they do? Nothing.
With the rise in prices, the people are worried, yes. But what will they do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Thankfully, at least some people are doing their bit by making satirical videos and promoting awareness at the cost of their freedom and safety!
Visuals by Different Truths
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