05-05-2025
Mizoram MP complains to NCST over I-T demands on tribal traders
Aizawl: Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, the lone Lok Sabha member from Mizoram, on Monday complained to the
National Commission for Schedule Tribe
(NCST) chairman Antar Singh Arya about intimations received by tribal businessmen in the state from the income tax department to pay income tax while scheduled tribes living in scheduled areas are exempted from paying tax according to Section 10(26) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
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Vanlalhmangaiha met NCST in Delhi at the latter's invitation, where he raised the issue of income tax. He informed Arya that tribal businessmen and traders received intimations from income tax officials. Income tax has also been deducted from the pension of retired Indian Army personnel, he said, adding that Mizos working in central govt offices and banking sector in Mizoram were also subjected to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) from their salaries, despite belonging to STs.
A large number of tribal employees working in the state are also forced to file 'nil returns', creating hardships for them in Mizoram while the common people fail to understand why they are being asked to pay income tax when they are exempted under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The NCST chairman took the matter seriously and deliberated on how to take up the issue with appropriate authorities.
