I am a direct tax payer in India. Every month, a significant percentage of my hard-earned salary goes towards income tax - a commitment I honor dutifully. Yet, in the event of a job loss or health crises, the insecurity looms large as there are no social security benefits to fall back on. The reality is grim - while a majority of welfare schemes are focused towards government employees, politicians, and others who don't contribute significantly to the income tax grid, direct tax payers like me face a void when in need of a safety net.

Income Tax Department of India's annual report (2018-19) mentions that direct tax collection amounted to INR 11.37 lakh crores, a significant fiscal boost for the country. Contributing to this colossal amount are salaried individuals who dutifully pay up to 30% of their income as taxes. However, there are negligible welfare measures in place if these tax paying citizens face challenging circumstances such as job loss or health setbacks.

The essence of citizens' contribution through taxes lies in a social contract - we contribute a part of our income for the country's development, and in return expect the government to stand with us in times of need. This basic tenet is currently missing for direct tax payers.

The current tax structure requires a revamp to remedy this. We demand the Indian Government to introduce effective social security schemes for direct tax payers, ensuring they have a safety net to fall back on during times of need. These may include unemployment benefits, medical coverages, and other necessary securities. This is not just a request, but a right of each taxpayer contributing significantly to the nation's economy. Sign this petition to uphold the rights of direct income taxpayers.