Aizawl, March 13 (PTI): Opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) legislature party leader Lalduhoma Wednesday alleged in the Mizoram Assembly that the BJP-led government at the Centre was trying to levy income tax from Schedule Tribe people in the state.
Moving a Calling Attention Motion during Zero Hour Lalduhoma said Scheduled Tribe people were exempted from paying income tax under section 10 (26) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
"The Ministry of Finance recently issued a notification instructing the public sector banks to collect 10 per cent of annual interest from Rs 10,000 or above," he said.
He said anyone who wants to have Income Tax exemption certificate would have to go to Silchar in neighbouring Assam, the nearest Income Tax department office, about 150 km from Aizawl.
Accusing the BJP-led government of trying to remove concessions and privileges of the tribal people, he urged the state government to take immediate action on this.
Replying to the statement made by Lalduhoma, Chief Minister Zoramthanga said the state government would make enquiries and then take appropriate action.
