Laid Off After Paying Rs. 30 Lakh in Taxes: And Government Did Nothing

A software engineer in Bangalore once used to earn Rs. 43.5 lakh per year in the form of an annual package. He worked hard in his work and paid income tax on his income, and trusted the system.

In total, he paid around Rs. 30 lakh as income tax for more than 5 years, contributing honestly to the country’s economy. However, like many individuals in Bangalore, he lost his job during a wave of layoffs.

Then he used his savings to run his household and manage daily expenses for a long period. He was hopeful to soon get a new job. However, months passed, and he did not get any job, and slowly all his savings got exhausted. He did not receive any support from the government: no financial support, no guidance, no safety net. Slowly, his situation began worrying him, and his stress turned into depression.

In countries such as the United States (US), when someone loses their job, the government intervenes, and individuals who have been paying taxes are awarded with monthly unemployment benefits. These payments from the government help them survive until they find a new job.

However, in India, this system does not exist. Even though taxpayers in India pay lakhs of rupees to the government in the form of tax and play a vital role in contributing to the Indian economy, in return, they get nothing when they are in extreme need. No unemployment allowance, no pension, no fallback option. They are simply told, “Manage somehow” or “It will get better.”

On the other hand, individuals in India who don’t even pay any taxes or contribute a rupee in taxes are enjoying benefits such as free electricity, free water, free rations, free bus travel, and many other subsidies from the government.

Is it not unfair for taxpayers? The individuals who work hard, follow the rules, and help grow the economy are left alone when they need help the most. While others who haven’t contributed a rupee in tax are supported fully by government schemes.

India cannot keep ignoring these broader parts of the country that carry the economy on their shoulders. If we want honest citizens to continue paying taxes, the system must support them in their worst times, not just expect them to pay and disappear. It is time to introduce basic protections for taxpayers, such as unemployment benefits, temporary relief funds, or at least support services. Because when taxpayers fall, there is no one to catch them, and that needs to change.