Memorandum to IT Commissioner demands exemption to old settlers

source:Sikkim Reporter 22 11 2012 Gangtok: Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, Nagrik Suraksha Samitee and Old Settlers submitted a memorandum to Commissioner of Central Income Tax department Subrata Sarkar, in a meeting held here on November 22, demanding exemption from of income tax for old settlers in Sikkim. President of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce Ashok Sarda elaborately said that the extension of Indian Income Tax Act to the old settlers in Sikkim is unacceptable and that it has been difficult for the post merger business communities in the state to adopt the Act. The income tax manual 1948 was followed until 16/06/2008 and the post merger settlers were following it for almost 33 years, he said. Large number of businessman have already paid their tax to the State government up to the financial ending March 2008 under Sikkim Income Tax Manual, he said. He pleaded that all matters pertaining to Central Income Tax for pre merger business communities (those residing in Sikkim prior to 26th April 1975) be kept in abeyance until the demand of the affected citizens is resolved The Indian Union extended the Income Tax Act 1961 in Sikkim on 16th June2008 by circular. The identification of Sikkimese as made by the Act deprived us of our identity and is discriminatory towards Indians residing in Sikkim before its merger with Indian Union, it is argued in the memorandum. Joint IT Commissioner PD Karwa, IT Officer of Sikkim LD Lepcha, were present in the meeting.

2 Oct 2012

2 Oct 2012 on M G Marg Gangtok, HCM at the centre

2 Oct 2012 With H E Governor of Sikkim

2 Oct 2012

SK with CM-Sikkim at M G Road, Gangtok 2.Oct 2012