Twitter in splits over President Kovind's Income Tax remarks, requests him to ‘not lie'

President Ram Nath Kovind is in Kanpur on a four-day visit and has sparked a new controversy. Before reaching Kanpur he was speaking at a public event in Jhinjhak town on Friday urging people to pay taxes regularly as a contribution to the development of the country, while he also revealed his salary and that he too pay taxes. Jhinjhak is close to the President's birthplace, the Paraunkh village of UP's Kanpur Dehat district.

He said he earns Rs 5 lakh a month as the state’s employee and is not able to save much as he pays Rs 2.75 lakh as tax every month. He also pointed out that as a result of this he makes fewer savings than the other officials in positions of public service. 

“The President is the highest-paid employee of the country and he also pays taxes. But someone will say that you get five lakh rupees... everyone talks about that. Out of that, every month, a quarter to three lakh comes out. So, how much is left? Our officers and others get more than what is left. The teachers who are sitting (at the event), they all get more,” he said. 

The statement has sparked debates on social media discussing the salary and other benefits that the State’s Head is given. Some Twitter users slammed Ram Nath Kovind saying that when the President's salary is non-taxable then why is he lying? 

Another user demanded an inquiry into if what the President is saying is right. 

Meanwhile, a few through their tweets tried to explain the law by citing that The President is the first citizen of the country and also the highest official. The salary and emoluments are decided by the President's (Emoluments and) Pensions Act, 1951 which has been amended recently where the President's salary was hiked to five lakhs and is tax-free.

Also Read: Viral Video: Speeding Audi rams into Auto killing one, drunk & drive case registered

Have a look at how Twitterati reacted to President Kovind’s remarks.