Random Thoughts from Ivory Tower

  Table 1:    Population/GDP/ Revenue/Spending Distribution of India Table 2A:   Income Streams for Centre/Union Government  Table 2B:  Expenditure by Centre /Union Government  Table 3A:   Income Streams for State Government  Table 3B:  Expenditure by  State Governments  Table 4A:   Income Streams for Municipal Corporations Table 4B:  Expenditure by  Municipal Corporations

   Tax collection and spending are two of the most fundamental tasks for any State and is as old as civilization. It represents one of the most direct forms of coercive power of the State. From ancient monarchs to modern democracies, every citizen has accepted the fact that taxes are the only constants after life and death! In a well-meaning State apparatus, expectation is that the state would establish systems to collect and spend the Tax that would give a sense of justice/equality for majority of citizens. If the state is not efficient in either or both fronts, it ends up creating resentment in everyone.   As we move towards more modern form of governance, there are certain parameters to evaluate a tax collection system - Tax Type - There are two broad categories - Direct (tax on income) and Indirect (tax on Spending).  Income Tax and corporate Tax falls under Direct Tax Umbrella while GST, Customs duty etc. would fall under later. Tax Input Base - How much of your...

    The world seems to have come full circle w.r.t. globalization with the increase in protectionist policies getting formed in many countries. With the greatest consumer on the planet now introducing heavy tariffs on outside goods, we may be looking at a fundamental shift in global trade and finance.   India has been among the greatest beneficiaries of the globalization over past few decades. All the major countries have treated us with soft glove despite our unfair practice of direct and Indirect barriers in world trade. The U.S. imposing high tariffs on all countries including India, may be a good opportunity for self-reflection and future planning.         In an in an ideal world, there should be absolute cross boarder free trade among individuals or firms (except for any defense or related items). But world was never quite there.    Even at the height of globalization, various countries have tried to protect certain domestic pr...

Dear Reader, Welcome to the den of my thoughts! I am NOT a policy expert or have any formal training in the field of policy formulation.  I have seldom made my hands dirty with any kind of social activities. I am a mere observer who has seen and lived the Indian society for last few decades.  Basically, these are random thoughts and observations from ten thousand feet. The views expressed here are from those experiences including the views from domain experts in this field whom I follow. There is no claim of originality in these thoughts, rather they are unoriginal mostly. I like to see myself as a balanced rationalist and the views are leaning in that direction due to my natural biases.  You have NO compulsion to read these random thoughts or take any actions.  If you are a very sensitive, proud nationalist who feel extremely happy with the way things shaped up in India in last century, you are advised to STAY AWAY from this space. For others, welcome again and hope...