SAD slams proposed cut in states’ tax share

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 27

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday lashed out at the Centre’s proposed move to further slash the states’ share in the divisible pool of revenue. He reiterated his party’s demand that the states’ share in this pool must be raised to 50 per cent “at the very least”.

Sukhbir also called for a national initiative to protect the federal structure of the country. “Time has come for a nationwide awareness and movement for securing greater fiscal autonomy for all states. This is the only long-term solution to the Centre’s growing hegemony, which in fact is working against our national interest.”

He said the SAD had always been a votary of more powers to the states and had made huge sacrifices for this cause. “Strong states mean a strong India, just as strong limbs mean a strong body. You cannot weaken legs and arms or heart and lungs and still claim that the body as a whole would remain strong. Those at the helm of affairs need to understand this.”

“It is unfortunate that the federal structure of the country has been under constant attacks from the successive governments at the Centre. Unfortunately, the present government is no exception. The states have already been reduced to the status of beggars at the Centre’s door. The latest reported move is only one more step to impoverish them further and to make them complete slaves before the Centre,” Sukhbir added.