[From PD Rai, MP Lok Sabha] Sikkim Krantikari Morchas Press Statement released today through Shri KN Lepcha is an exercise in distorting reality. The SDF Party and its leaders have time and again reiterated their unequivocal stand that they will always safeguard the rights of Sikkimese people in the spirit of Article 371F. The statement is yet another attempt by the SKM party to obfuscate the issue of Article 371F to further their vested interests. It deserves to be condemned in the strongest of terms. Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamlings simple thanks to the people of South and West Districts for reposing their faith in Sikkim Democratic Front for a record fifth term has been distorted and quoted out of context. The press release has also distorted my words which I spoke in the Lok Sabha when I apprised the Finance Minister of our long pending demand that Sikkims Old Settlers should also be exempted from Income Tax. For Shri Lepchas benefit, and to set the record straight, here are my exact words as available on the official Lok Sabha website: “I would like to bring to the notice of the Hon Finance Minister that Sikkim became a part of the Indian Union as the 22nd State in May 1975, through the 36th Amendment of the Constitution of India. Article 371 (f) was inserted in the Constitution. Within the framework of the Constitution and as per the spirit of that Constitutional Amendment, the people of Sikkim are known as the ‘Sikkim Subject’. Those who are put in the Sikkim Subject Register have an income tax relief through the Section 10 (26) AAA of the Income Tax Act. In the process of doing this, there are certain sections of our population who have been left out.” Unfortunately, Shri Lepcha has not understood the Chief Ministers words or mine. Considering that Shri Lepcha, a former bureaucrat, has been a part of SIBLAC, and has fought elections as a member of the Congress Party and now the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha; he should first make his stand clear: is he opposed to Old Settlers getting the Income-Tax exemption?
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 13:16:23 +0000
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