PM Modi to tax cheats: September 30 last chance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sent out a strong signal to people who till date have not declared their undisclosed income, asking them to do so by September 30 in order to avoid problems in future as this would be their last chance.

“For those having undisclosed income, the government has provided a special chance to declare it by September 30,” Mr Modi said on his monthly radio programme, Mann ki Baat. He said that by paying a penalty those with undisclosed money could free themselves of various burdens.

“I have promised that there will be no inquiry into the source of the undisclosed income and assets if the declaration is made voluntarily. That is why I am saying it is a good chance to become part of a transparent system. Let me tell my countrymen that this chance is till September 30. Consider this as the last chance,” the Prime Minister asserted. He said he has told BJP MPs that if anybody faces any problem after September 30 for not abiding by the rules, no help should be provided to them.

While referring to his recent interaction with officials of the Income-Tax, Customs and Excise Departments, the Prime Minister said he had told them they should not consider their countrymen “thieves” but should repose faith in them and “hand-hold” them to encourage them to become law-abiding citizens.