Most of the direct income tax collected in this country is paid by professionals working in the private or public sector. Despite having paid taxes all their working life, there is absolutely no relief by the state to senior citizens including those who are above 70 years. Professionals working in the private and public sector mostly do not receive any pension, or the amount is not sufficient enough to meet the minimum subsistence level. Even the most qualified professionals working in the private and public sectors save just enough money to build a house of their own. It is ironic that while in-service salaried persons get a tax-free relief of 6 Lakh on their annual emoluments, those who are retired are given tax relief of only Rs 4 Lakh.

Source: The Nation September 21, 2021 03:22 UTC