“Walkover for Antia”

Burjor Antia, the new Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee has implied that those who pay taxes have a right to vote (see "Walkover for Antia,” Par­siana, January 2003). What has Universal Adult Franchise (UAF) to do with paying taxes? My maid servant doesn’t pay a paisa in taxes but votes in all elections, be it state or central, just because she is an adult (over 18 years of age) and thus automatically has a right to vote under the Constitution of India. And there will be millions of such people who don’t pay taxes but vote. Taxes are levied by the states and the center for the facilities provided e.g. construction of roads and railways, water supply, drainage, waste management, etc. Except for low rentals in the baugs, what facility does the BPP provide to people residing in private homes and housing colonies? Even dakhmenashini which has now become unworkable due to the absence of vultures is expensive compared to muncipal-run electric crematoriums.

Antia’s contention that only the donors earn the right to vote is a travesty of justice. The need of the hour is to perform and reform. This can only be done through UAF.

Dr P. D. SUNAVALA