Taxpayers: The Unsung Heroes of Viksit Bharat 2047

AsBharatgearsupforits100thyearofindependencein2047,thedreamofadevelopednationburns bright. This aspiration, however, demands grand visions as well as a solid foundation built onthe contributions of countless individuals – the often-overlooked yet indispensable taxpayersor,inthespirit oftheday-'Kardaatas'.

While grand narratives and political compulsions glorify other 'Daatas'; the silent engine drivingIndia's progress rests with the millions of honest taxpayers who diligently contribute their hard-earnedincometothenationaltreasury.

The Taxpayer Quandary: Narrowing India's Fiscal Foundation

Understanding the crucial role of taxpayers requires acknowledging a stark reality; India's taxbase isstill very narrow.Toput things inperspective:

Total ITR filings are approximately 7.4 Cr

Only 2.2% of India's adult population are taxpayers

Personal income tax as a percentage of GDP is 2.9%

Personal income tax is 29% of the gross tax revenue collection

Thistranslatestoasignificantburdenonaselectfewwhilethebenefitsofpublicinfrastructure,social programs, and national security reach all citizens. Furthermore, a small taxpayer baseexacerbates societal inequalities, as a disproportionate burden falls on those fulfilling their tax obligationsandunderminesthe principles ofequity andsocial justice.

As such, the importance of the honest 'Kardaatas' cannot be overstated. They are the unsung'minority'groupthatdemandsnoreservationsandnofreebiesandissomehownotevenonthetop of the 'Daatas' totem pole! While a significant portion of the population, particularly in theinformal sector, either evades taxes or operates in the informal economy, thereby escaping thetaxnet.

The contributions of the ‘Kardaatas’ fuel the very ecosystem that enables India's growth. Bydiligentlyfulfillingtheirtaxobligations,theyensurethatpublicfundsareutilizedjudiciouslyandin the nation's best interests. Tax revenue finances critical public services like education,healthcare, defence, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and infrastructure development,fostering long-term growth and job creation. This, in turn, expands the tax base organically,creating a virtuous cycle of contribution and progress. Every new school, hospital, highway, orpublictransport systembears theimprint of theirsacrifice.

Cultivating a Culture of Civic Responsibility: Recognizing the Unsung 'Kardaatas'

Beyond the purely economic benefits, a healthy tax culture fosters a sense of civicresponsibility,adherencetorulesandlaws,honesty,andnationalpride.Thisstrengthensdemocracy andfuels thepursuit of collectivegoals.

It is essential to recognize and express gratitude to the taxpayers who dutifully fulfil theirobligations to the nation. Their contributions, no matter how small, are instrumental inadvancing India's economic agenda and realizing its vision of becoming a developed nation by2047. Theirsacrificesandcommitmentdeservecommendation,astheyepitomizethespiritofcivicresponsibilityandnation-building.

Government communication and public discourse should actively acknowledge and expressgratitudetotaxpayersfortheircontributions.Highlightingthetangibleimpactoftheirtaxesonpublicservicescanfoster asense ofownershipandencourage others toparticipate.

Taxpayers occupy a central position in India's economic narrative, serving as the linchpin of its fiscal stability and development agenda. Their significance extends far beyond revenue generation; they embody the ideals of citizenship, responsibility, and collective progress. As India charts its course towards Viksit Bharat 2047, it must prioritize efforts to expand and strengthen its taxpayer base, ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared equitably among all its citizens. Gratitude and recognition are due to the taxpayers contributing tirelessly towards realizing India's aspirations, for they are the unsung heroes of its journey towards prosperity and progress.

About The Audthor 

Aditya Pittie, an accomplished entrepreneur and angel investor, heads Pittie Enterprises Group, a diverse conglomerate spanning precision automotive and aerospace components, solar energy solutions, Fintech, real estate, and angel investing. He actively engages in angel investing and mentors startups for the Atal Innovation Mission, Government of India, and the Atal Incubation Centre-Rambhau Mhalgi Prabhodhini. Serving as a Regional Ambassador for the MIT Alumni Association and a board member of the MIT South Asia Alumni Association, Aditya played a pivotal role as a founder member of the University of Michigan India Alumni Association (UMIAA) and served on the University of Michigan Engineering Alumni Board. With a background as the Past President of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Pune, he presently holds the position of Convenor (Western Maharashtra) for the BJP Intellectual Cell. 

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