DNA Edit: Tax evaders fall in line

The significant rise in the number of people filing I-T returns — a whopping 24.7 per cent this time — shows that the government's efforts to curb tax evasion is bearing fruit. Demonetization was a big blow for cash-hoarders, followed by a crackdown on account holders who deposited significant amounts of cash in banks in the wake of old-currency suspension.

That the BJP-led government is dead serious in its intent to put an end to the parallel black money economy has put tax evaders on the back foot. With the Aadhaar now linked to PAN, and property registrations, the avenues for stashing wealth are closing one by one. On top of that, the money parked in Swiss banks came down by 50 per cent in 2016 in the face of a progressive crackdown by the government.

Now the Swiss authorities are willing to share the names of Indians who have parked their ill-gotten wealth in the European country. These developments point to a robust future when the government's revenue-generation is healthy. It can then concentrate on building infrastructure, including education and health care, for all-round development.

This government is different from previous dispensations on several crucial parameters — chief among them is PM Modi's crusading zeal for nation-building. Unlike most politicians, he is here to leave a legacy. The people of this country understand that. So, naysayers who had criticised demonetization have fallen silent. Yes, we are a long way off from being called a developed nation, but the Modi government has inspired us to dream.