Fired man who paid ₹1 million in income tax sparks debate over unemployment benefits for taxpayers | Today’s news
An Indian professional’s post on social media claims he almost paid ₹1 billion in income tax over 14 years, but received no support after his release, sparked a massive debate in India about unemployment benefits, taxation and public welfare.
Mohamed Nowsath shared his experience in a post on X, expressing his frustration at what he described as the absence of a social security system for taxpayers who lose their jobs.
“14 years of career, paid nearly 1 million as income tax so far. Now fired. Absolutely no trace of any support system. Thank you India,” Nowsath wrote in his X post two days ago.
The discussion took another turn after he revealed that his severance pay would also be subject to taxation.
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“Just found out my severance pay will be taxed too! I don’t know what to say,” he wrote.
Social Security and Personal Responsibility Debate
The viral posts drew mixed reactions online. While several users agreed that India lacks adequate social security for people who suddenly lose their income, others argued that individuals should prepare for such situations through personal savings and emergency funds.
One user X asked: “What support system is expected?”
In response to a question, Nowsath wrote, “A certain percentage of salary or income tax paid with tax exemption for 3-6 months can be?”
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Another user, Manoj Arora, compared India’s system to other countries, writing: “We justify our taxes by comparing them to other countries. But forget to compare the returns that taxpayers receive in these countries,” referring to unemployment benefits available in countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada and France.
However, not everyone agreed with Nowsath’s views.
“I don’t understand. What do these people want? Govt provided tax saving options like EPF / NPS / 80C etc. Who stopped us from availing it? And now you can still use government hospitals/schools which are completely free, no one is stopping you!” another user X wrote.
“At least provide quality public services,” says Nowsath
Responding to criticism, Nowsath argued that if taxpayers are not entitled to financial support during periods of unemployment, they should at least receive better public infrastructure and services in return for the taxes they pay.
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“Many are upset that I applied for unemployment benefits for income taxpayers,” he wrote.
He added: “Okay, I’m taking care of my emergency funds and I’m not asking anything from the government, provided I can take my baby in a stroller on city streets without damaging my baby’s lungs and eardrums. walk on safe and comfortable paths, let my baby ride a bike without the risk of being run over by trucks, spend time with my family in green cities and 20 km on city trains instead of 0 km in trains pedaling on crowded highways.”
His remarks sparked a broader online conversation about whether taxpayers should receive unemployment benefits or better public services in exchange for the taxes they contribute.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.)
