The TAX-gender divide!

While I was busy catching up with my work and those rare, few friends of mine who missed me, one of them asked me a very common, sometimes unnoticed question: Why do women get greater tax exemption than men?? Here is my reply: Historically, women have earned less than men on average. Plus, their working life-term is shorter than men, hence they are given more tax-breaks to enable them to save a higher amount over a comparably lower working life period.. Does this sound reasonable?

The question gave me a pretty weird idea and so I decided to conduct an in-office poll of the same.. Here are some replies which deserved special mention!!

--- because they deserve the best in all areas of life (a feminist..)

--- I think women are better than men and should have some privileges enhanced. (a thoughtful feminist)

--- they already have so many extra expenses (Definitely a shopaholic!)

--- because they have two letters more than we do!! (Wise-ass!!)

--- because men are better managers than women!! (This seemed like such a chauvinistic reply.. Does this even answer the question?)

--- because men keep asking for money from us!! (Certainly a lady-in-command. I wonder about the asking for money phrasing — doesn't it go vice-versa?)

--- because they are the best in every way, and the best people get the best reward. (Hmm. I wish this person had elaborated further — "best in every way.. which way?? how many ways?? Okay, okay, Censor Board calling!!)

--- because P Chidambaram (and FMs before him) seem to like women more than men ;) (What a sad truth! Sigh. No comments on this one!)

So, dear readers, I would love for you people to come forward and express your opinion on this question. While you are at this task, do check out this article which appeared in the Times of India in 2005. "All's Fair in Love and Tax"

For women seeking emancipation from the clutches of a male-dominated society,
this year's Budget by finance minister P Chidambaram takes the first definite
step not only towards gender equality, but gender empowerment.

Like a Times of India editorial recently argued, finally it is the woman on top. For
generations, man-woman relationship in India has been defined by the contours of
a woman's role in the family and, thereafter, by extension in society. And I
dare say that these contours have been drawn since the time of Ramayana by male
guardians of civil society, first with Lakshman's rekha and finally with Sita's
banishment from Ayodhya on grounds of staying in Ravana's Lanka, far and away
from her husband.

You will agree that our role as women is first defined by the duties we perform as somebody's daughter, then as somebody's wife, and then again as mother, grandmother... We are never really expected to be ourselves. So in a small way, this year's Budget gives Indian women the chance to stake greater ownership over her 'real' streedhan. In terms of the income-tax benefits offered to women income earners, the Finance Minister has taken a small step towards gender equality and a giant leap for womankind. It makes a fine distinction between incomes earned by men and women and the need for women to retain a greater control over their earnings by way of providing an income-tax exemption limit of up to Rs 1.25 lakh against a limit of up to Rs 1 lakh for men.

...

Let us hope that we all move towards less taxing, more relaxing
times - and make this world a better place to live in.

The author's wish sure seems to have been answered, with Mr. P. Chidambaram hiking the tax exemption limit for women from Rs. 1.45 lakhs earlier to Rs. 1.80 lakhs in the budget for financial year 2008-09!! Rock on gals!!

Sometimes I do wonder that when women all around us are fighting for equal rights, then why do we even have this reservation quota/preferential treatment for women? If you want equal rights, then shouldn't you be allowed to stand up for it and fight? Why this discrepancy? Why is it in some office places/educational institutes that they strive for a healthy male:female ratio? Why is a comment against a women by a man considered sexist while a women can get away with anything she says to a man, sexist or non-sexist? This society, which is now increasingly getting behind the female side of human beings, needs to reconsider some of the shortcomings in the justice which is meted out these days.

While I am all for females having equal rights, I certainly am amused by the fact that women in all spheres of life get preferential treatment over men in most cases. A woman's word is given more weightage than a man's word: now many of you might disagree with this generic statement but those of you who have been at the receiving end of just such a thing will know how it feels like!

Sigh! I think I have just sowed the seeds of a major debate here and while I would love to rationalize and explain my stance more elaborately, I believe in listening to the most primal and urgent calling in this world: that of your body's and mind's telling you to put all rubbish, garbage and dumpsters aside and climb into a sweet, inviting bed for a good night's rest!

But hey it's just me who needs to listen to my mind and my body — you merry fellows go all out and rage a huge debate among yourself over what ever I have said. However, I would like to add that I do not hold any grudges against the females — I love my Momma, I love my sisters and pretty, single girls, I am crazy about you all! :-)