Mins & MLAs to pay their income tax: CoMs

Council of Ministers of Himachal Pradesh decided to do away the legal provisions to pay the income tax of Ministers and Member of Assembly by the Government of Himachal as an ordinance was brought to end the special privilege. Decision was taken by the CoMs during Cabinet meeting on Thursday making new provision in the salaries and allowances law to ensure that minister and MLA pay the income tax individually. It is worthwhile to mention here that last week Himachal Pradesh Division bench of Himachal Pradesh High court passed an order on this matter seeking reply from the state, Vidhan sabha secretariat, Minister and MLAs by making them party in a public interest petition filed by a petitioner terming the filling and payment of income tax from public funds against the constitution seeking to stuck down the special provisions. A press release issued here today by the state CoMs spokesperson said thatCabinet  decided to promulgate an ordinance to omit section 12 of the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers ( Himachal Pradesh ) Act , 2000 , Section 11 – A of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly ( Allowances and Pension of Members ) Act , 1971 relating to Income  Tax which is currently being paid by the State Government and now shall be paid by the individual members.  It is worthwhile to mention that HC issued notice to the government, Speaker, minister and MLA and matters is fixed for hearring in the last week of this month.