Actor Sudeep slams arbitrary GST, says ‘people are disappointed, but scared to speak up’

coastaldigest.com news network
October 29, 2017

Bengaluru, Oct 29: Even as Tamil film actor Vijay faced the wrath of Sangh Parivar for questioning the arbitrary imposition of Goods and Services Tax by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in Mersal, another south Indian super star has exhibited courage to raise voice against looting the money of the poor people in the name of ‘tax reformation’.

Sudeep, who predominantly appears in Kannada films, has openly expressed discontentment with the new tax regime. “Though it is being claimed that it is ‘One Nation, One Tax, One Market,’ the tax structure is different in various parts of the country and people are suffering because of this. People had pinned their hopes on the new tax system, but they are left disappointed,” he said during a chat with a news channel recently.

Saying it has become difficult to question the tax regime, he said: “People are afraid to ask questions and are silently enduring the pain as they fear raids.”

He, however, went on to say that he does not know accounting or auditing, but only feels the pinch as a layman.

Other actors too raise voice

Multilingual actor and director Prakash Raj too expressed concern over the imposition GST on even handmade products. “It is unfair to impose GST on handmade products,” he said, adding that it surprising that this was coming from a government that has spoken of ‘Make in India’ and of creating jobs, he said.

Noting that Mr. Sudeep has expressed his sentiments in a mild manner, national award-winning director B. Suresh said, “Besides subscribing to the opinion of Sudeep and supporting the opinions aired in Mersal, I urge the Centre to immediately offer zero tax benefit to handmade products in order to protect the dignity of a class still dependent on manual labour.”

Actor Sanjana Galrani said the tax regime has burdened the poor. Actor Chetan said it has created more confusion than clarity.

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News Network
July 18,2020

Bengaluru, Jul 18: Vendors in Bengaluru are finding it hard to earn a livelihood as the state government has allowed the sale of products only for a few hours each day. The lockdown imposed by the Karnataka government on July 14 will continue till July 22.

Speaking to ANI, Vanajakshi, a local vendor said, "We took loans from banks and small financiers to run our business. But we are finding it tough to pay back as our livelihoods have been hit."
"Because of the lockdown, no one comes to buy and markets remain vacant. There was a time when the Gandhi Nagar market was filled with customers, but now it looks like a vacant playground," she added.

Mythri, an advocate, said, "Look at the conditions of vendors. It's precarious. They do not have any business at all. Even now they have been allowed to sell products till 12 noon, which is not sufficient. It's time for the government to step in and provide assistance. If the Central government can reduce corporate taxes, why can't it help them? At least it will help them pass off these difficult times. "

"They are earning through daily wages. The government imposed lockdown suddenly. Where will they go? The city market in Bengaluru is famous. At least 8,000 people come from slum areas. People here are poor. The lockdown was done suddenly and led to problems for these people," said Congress MLA Zamil Ahmed Khan.

Referring to a recent meeting with the chief minister BS Yediyurappa, he said, "During the meeting called by the CM, I suggested that food kits must be arranged for vendors. The CM said the government is providing rice and wheat but that's not enough."

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News Network
March 25,2020

Bengaluru, Mar 25: Karnataka Minister Dr K Sudhakar has been allocated all matters related to COVID-19 by the Governor on the advice of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.
Health Minister B Sriramulu, who earlier handled matters related to COVID-19, has been allotted the Backward Class Welfare Development portfolio.
Karnataka on Monday announced a complete lockdown in the state till April 1.
"In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the entire state will be locked down from 12 o'clock night of March 23 to April 1. People are requested to strictly follow it to contain the coronavirus spread," Yediyurappa had said.

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Agencies
January 26,2020

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 26: Sister Lucy Kalappura, one of the nuns who protested against rape accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal, on Saturday claimed that she is being targeted at the convent and not being provided food.

Sister Lucy was dismissed from Franciscan Clarist congregation for supporting sisters protesting against the Bishop.

"I am being targeted at the convent and not being provided food. When I asked the reason, I was told I have been dismissed from the convent and they are not responsible for feeding me," said Sister Lucy while speaking to the reporters.

She has alleged that all this began after the release of her autobiography "Karthavinte Namathil" which means 'In the name of God'. In her book she had alleged sexual misconduct among priests and nuns.

"They prepare food and after having it they lock it in the cupboard. When I asked the reason behind this, they told me that I have been dismissed," said Sister Lucy.

"Now I am managing it all by myself with egg and tapioca that grows in the convent compound. Earlier they used to keep the leftover lunch and I used to adjust with that, but after my book was released, they started to lock the food in the cupboard," she added.

Sister Lucy also claimed that she had filed three complaints with the police on August 19, August 20 and on December 13. They had taken her statement but no action was taken.

"If the police would have taken some action against the convent authorities, they would not have behaved this way. An FIR was registered based on the three complaints but no action was taken. This gives them more power to act against me. I have drafted a letter to the Chief Minister to raise my complaint," said Sister Lucy.

Bishop Mulakkal, a senior member of the Roman Catholic clergy in India, was arrested in 2018 following allegations by a nun that he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted her at Kuravilangad convent between 2014 and 2016, a charge that he denies.

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