Telangana Ministers Exempted from Personal Tax Obligations
In a significant decision, the Ministers of Telangana have been relieved from the burden of paying personal income tax on their salaries. The State government will now cover the tax obligations, ensuring that Ministers do not face any personal financial implications from their earnings.
On Friday, an order was issued by the Industries and Commerce Department authorizing the payment of income tax for IT Minister D Sridhar Babu. Specifically, the government will pay the income tax for the financial year 2024-25, which amounts to Rs 1,38,061. This move aligns with the AP Payment of Salaries and Removal of Disqualifications Act, 1953.
The sanctioned tax amount will be deducted from the council of ministers’ salary account and credited directly to the Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, TDS Circle, Hyderabad. This arrangement effectively means that while the income earned by the Ministers is personal, the responsibility of taxation is now a burden on the State government.
This decision has sparked considerable debate, as it deviates from traditional practices where income tax is usually deducted directly from the incomes of the ministers themselves. As this change unfolds, it raises important questions about fiscal responsibility and governance within the state.