THE OLD SETTLERS OF SIKKIM

From Sikkim Express

Nagarik Sangharsha Samiti writes to CS; demands equal treatment in tax exemption

GANGTOK, September 1: The Nagarik Sangharsha Samiti has written to the Chief Secretary demanding equal treatment to persons (baring foreigners) residing in Sikkim before April 26, 1975 in the matter of tax exemption and in socio-economic and political arena in Sikkim.

A letter signed by Prem Goyal, Chief Coordinator of the Samiti has also urged the six-member Committee on Tax Exemption to give them the opportunity to present their views to the Committee before making recommendations to the Government of Sikkim for taking up the issue with the Government of India.

“You may kindly recall that we have, right from 1977 onwards, been working for the protection of the rights and interests of all citizens residing in Sikkim. We submitted a memorandum dated June 25, 1996 to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling, and thereafter several reminders and fresh memorandum have been submitted periodical1y, urging the State Government to accord equal treatment to all persons residing in Sikkim before April 26, 1975,” the letter reads.

The Samiti has in the past submitted several memorandums to the Governor of Sikkim, Chief Minister, Union Finance Minister and also to the Central Board of Direct Taxes from time to time reiterating their ‘genuine’ demand for equal treatment.