John Brittas Criticises Centre's TOLA Bill, Says It Will Burden Common People

New Delhi: CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has criticised the BJP-led Central government over the proposed Taxation and Other Laws Amendment (TOLA) Bill, alleging that it is aimed at imposing an additional financial burden on ordinary citizens. In a post on his official Facebook account, Brittas claimed that the legislation was intended to "squeeze the common people" by introducing new charges through indirect means. According to the MP, one of the provisions of the Bill would enable the levy of a surcharge on merchants who receive payments through digital transactions. He questioned the Centre's claim that the burden would be borne solely by traders and not consumers. Referring to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's explanation that the surcharge would be collected only from merchants, Brittas argued that any additional cost imposed on businesses would eventually be passed on to customers through higher prices. He said this was a basic principle of economics and alleged that the government was attempting to mislead the public by portraying the measure as one that would not affect consumers. Brittas further contended that the proposed legislation would ultimately increase the financial burden on the common people despite the government's assurances to the contrary.