I WAS shocked to receive a letter from Sargodhian Spirit Trust Public School, Rashidabad, asking me to pay Rs17,000 as advanced income tax for my child, having roll no.8092.

I paid it via bank on May 16, fearing the expulsion of my child if the amount was not paid. I discussed it with the accountant the reasons behind this burden on parents.

The accountant told me that the government had inserted new section 2361 in the Income Tax Ordinance and their institution was bound to obey that order to recover tax from parents. This type of letter has been issued by various cadet colleges.

I am a government employee serving as the PHC management trainer (BPS-18) in the PHDC, Jamshoro, and my wife, Dr Shabnam Jehan, is working as senior woman medical officer (BPS-18) in CDF Hospital, Hyderabad.

We are both regularly paying income tax on our salaries. From our savings, our children are getting education in the above-mentioned institution. When we are paying income tax on our salaries, there should be no additional burden on us in the name of income tax.

I appeal to the government to withdraw the income tax on children’s education. It is an anti-education and unlawful ordinance. It must be withdrawn on legal and moral grounds.

Dr Muneer Bhurgri
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, July 22nd , 2014