IRS officers for super-rich tax hike amid coronavirus outbreak; govt riled

The committee has argued the 'super-rich' have a higher obligation towards ensuring public good and recommended either raising income-tax rate for the highest slab or re-introducing wealth tax

A report by a group of 50 young officers of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) on enabling smooth recovery of the Indian economy from the coronavirus (Covid-19) disease shock has courted controversy with the finance ministry distancing itself from these recommendations and initiating inquiry into the matter. The report suggested a hike in the tax slab for the super rich, a Covid cess, an amnesty scheme for undisputed tax demands, and reintroduction of the inheritance tax. 

In a note called F.O.R.C.E. (Fiscal Options & Response to Covid-19 Epidemic), the group has also proposed expenditure rationalisation measures, including direct cash transfer of