The Disappointment and Necessity of Change in Modern India

Every year, 12,000 farmers take their own lives in India, a harrowing statistic that speaks volumes about the socioeconomic challenges faced by the country. However, the youth of India are more concerned with trivial matters like commenting about social media personalities such as Rihanna and Sushant Singh Rajput, or discussing TikTok trends. When was the last time they talked about the farmers’ protests or the suicides that are devastating families and communities?

True nationalism is about more than just waving a flag. It involves a sense of responsibility and concern for one's fellow citizens, especially those who are struggling. Are we any different from the labourers who die due to lack of government-provided facilities? Are we content to remain blind to the countless deaths and problems that fester in our society?

Section: The Injustice of News Agencies and Fake Nationalism

The news agencies in India have been accused of spreading a form of nationalism that is merely performative. They focus on sensational stories that gain traction on social media, but these stories often fail to address the real issues that affect the majority of Indians. While the nation celebrates superficial victories, the farmers' plight is ignored, and the voices of those who truly need help are silenced.

Section: The Bane of Earnings and Expenses in Modern India

For many IT professionals in cities like Bangalore, earning Rs. 10 lakhs per annum is fraught with challenges. For instance, a significant portion of their income is eaten away by various forms of taxation.

Income Tax:

The "honest tax" certificate, often shared on social media, does not bring any tangible benefits. There is no healthcare facility, free education policy, or other perks for the taxpayer. After the Income Tax, individuals are left with approximately Rs. 117,000.

Petrol Prices:

Currently, the price of petrol in India is higher than it was in 2010-14, even though the cost of crude oil has been lower. This increase in petrol prices contributes to an additional Rs. 24,000 in monthly fuel taxes, or Rs. 292,800 annually, for individuals traveling 1,000 kilometers per month.

Property Tax:

In Bangalore, property taxes include garbage collection, road transport, and infrastructure. The tax collection process is often corrupt, as seen in compensation of Rs. 12,000 for a loss of Rs. 7 lakh in a house flood incident. The average annual property tax in Bangalore is around Rs. 5,000.

Taxes on Savings and Investments:

Any savings or investments made by individuals are taxed, including interest received. The tax on capital gains, if any, is even higher, along with security transaction tax and other cesses.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Groceries:

The GST on groceries and other services such as accommodation and food ranges between 18% and 18%. This translates to an annual expenditure of approximately Rs. 12,000 on indirect taxes, even for basic groceries and milk.

Electricity Taxes:

Bangalore residents face nine different taxes on electricity, and the annual bill can be as high as Rs. 1,620, which is approximately Rs. 135 per month. This is a significant burden on many IT professionals.

Advance Tax Payment:

If one fails to pay the advance tax by March 31st, a fine of 90% is applied. This fine can be as high as Rs. 100,000, adding to the already substantial financial burden.

The current government has been harshly criticized by the middle class, who argue that they pay, pay, pay but never receive any benefits in return. Meanwhile, corruption remains rampant. In 2020, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered 190 cases of bank fraud totaling Rs. 60,000 crores. Some 60% of districts in India have cases related to black money, benami property, disproportionate assets, bribery, money laundering, and tax evasion.

It is time for the youth of India to truly understand the significance of nationalism and take responsibility for the issues that affect their country and its people. Only then can they lead the charge for genuine change and improvement.