[dailydriver]

But for its subtle attempt at massaging many egos by trying to assuage our discontent at being treated almost like non-entities, this could have easily gone into the Income Tax thread.

In their infinite wisdom, the mandarins at the Central Board of Direct Taxes have come up with a proposal to honour honest taxpayers.

Beat the queue at airports, railway stations by being honest in paying income tax

The Income Tax department is in the process of chalking out a new policy which will reward taxpayers who are not only honest but also consistent. According to the initial plan, the Central Board of Direct Taxes wants honest taxpayers to get priority access while availing public services at various places, including airports, railway stations and highways

Another reward for honest taxpayers could be civic receptions held by government bodies where they are publicly honoured.

Livemint

We could be approaching the day when the registration plate of a tax payers' car will have a line indicating their titles - Honest taxpayer, Honoured taxpayer, Highest taxpayer etc and will have a corresponding level of benefit scheme designed for them at airports, railway stations etc - but most importantly on our highways!

This is a good move no doubt. But at the back of my mind, I have a lingering suspicion that this is a case wherein instead of catching hold of a thief, the custodians of law end up praising an average homeowner who is yet to get his house burgled.

[NPV]

Source:The Indian Express, Bangalore Oct 14 2018 - Link

As part of the larger plan, they said, it is proposed that honest taxpayers are empowered to get “priority service” while using public services at airports, railways stations and at tolls on highways.

Now, the judges may not be happy with this proposal since they wanted priority service via separate lanes at tolls!

[samaspire]

How does the govt define "honest taxpayer"? If they know that somebody is a dishonest taxpayer, then wouldn't they go after him?

This idea is great for all of us who pay taxes, but then others would say it's elitist - you are only benefitting the rich guys, and then it becomes political.

[avingodb]

on the other hand, this is one step away from becoming a surveillance state that China has become.
See for example, https://www.news18.com/news/india/ch...s-1351125.html

And this is domestic travel ban!