What else does the Government have to do?

Inspite of the public opinion, I believe the move to be a good one. But Deora's statement that his action is "saving the Oil Navaratnas" holds no water. He, a true Government Babu, thinks he is running the oil company whereas the fact is that it is your and my (read as taxpayer) money that they are using for the subsidies...

The general merchant and petty shop owner who do not pay any taxes are enjoying petro and diesel subsidies at our expense. But the Government keeps adding taxes and surcharges to the taxpayer's burden. It is the small-time traders of that non-tax-paying kind that are running a parallel economy. Should it not be those kind who ought to cough up for the subsidies?

I think the onus is on the Government to do 2 things now
(a) Reduce the IT taxpayer's burden by 1.5% to 2% or so (Consider that a negative surcharge!!)
(b) Stop floating some stupid schemes like so-and-so-religion gets a discounted price, so-and-so category gets a subsidised rate, so-and-so Government body gets fuel at subsidised rates. Believe me - with Babus, anything is possible!!

I presently stay in the United States. Here, no special privileges exist for anyone. But in India, we plan schemes for the poor and the plans fail miserably in achievement, but overshoots the budget always!! Where the money is gone - your guess is right.

Ask for a reduction in Income Tax rates. Let us remind the Government that the purpose of collection of Income Tax is not to just generate money but to get more and more people to file their tax returns!! Decontrol fuel, but reduce our taxes.

Start the fight now. Remember that there are no free lunches. Spread the message that WE ARE NOT FOR ANY KIND OF SUBSIDY TO ANYONE.