No service tax on postal services, says CPM

The CPI Marxist has opposed the Central government8217;s decision to levy service tax on postal services. In a letter to Prime Minister Manmhohan Singh, Politburo member Sitaram Yechury expressed 8220;concern over the decision,8221; and urge him to 8220;withdraw these fresh burdens that are being imposed on the people8221;.

8220;You are surely aware that crores of families are surviving on remittances sent by their children through money orders. This is particularly so with defence personnel. These are lower middle class families who even otherwise are struggling to make both ends meet. Such an imposition of service tax on postal services will further burden vast sections of common Indians,8221; wrote Yechury. While recalling that the CPIM has always supported widening of the tax net, he said it should not be by 8220;imposing greater burdens on the economically weaker sections of our society. Widening of the tax base should target those who can afford to part with their incomes and wealth8221;.