New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday flayed a Finance Ministry circular to tax disability pension given to personnel of the Armed Forces who have suffered injuries in the course of service at the time of their superannuation or premature retirement.
Its chief spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala asked: "If Armed Forces recognise an injury suffered while serving the nation as fit for payment of disability pension out of the govt’s treasury, why should the same be taxed." He pointed out that a provision for exemption of tax already exists under Income Tax Act, 1922.
Majority of the Armed Force personnel seek premature retirement since their disability makes them unfit for promotions while others superannuate under the rules applicable to the Armed Forces. –Our Bureau
"This Tughlaqi Farman of Modi Govt 2.0 seeks to rub salt on the wounds of our brave soldiers," Surjewala said in a statement, pointing out that the BJP government is a habitual offender in insulting the Armed Forces by "backdoor" cuts in spending.