Sir,
This has reference to the news pertaining to Service tax to be levied from the Vaishno Devi pilgrims. This is not the way the Government must generate income to give a boost to State economy. Rather, incentives should be extended to the pilgrims in one way or other so that they feel free to come again and again. Tourists or pilgrims generally remain prone to exploitation by service providers. The ignorant tourists are fleeced right from the place they board the bus. This is done deliberately as service providers believe that tourists are supposed to spend a hefy amount. Taxi operators, guides, hotliers usually over charge them, and mint money. Instead of enjoying, they feel disgusted and cheated. Every years thousands of tourists visit the State. Ask any one of them, how they were treated by service providers. Most of them would tell their horrible tales.
Now when Government is going to impose Service Tax, they will feel further burdened, and would not to come again.
Yours etc…
Veer Singh
Jammu