Life
The Tax Collector Is A Eunuch
| Frustrated city officials in Patna have struck upon a novel scheme to shake down tax deadbeats by recruiting scores of eunuchs to collect on the debts.
Fewer than 2,000 of nearly a half million homes and establishments in Patna pay their property tax and water bill, according to officials. So they concluded the “reputation and persuasive skills” of eunuchs, who make a living badgering newly weds and new parents for their blessings in return for tips, might “come in handy.” Tax collectors armed with tax bills and payment records accompanied the eunuchs to song, dance and drums as they called on local businesses. Early results are encouraging: on the first day, $9,000 in arrears was collected on the spot, haiya, haiya. This is a commission driven business and the eunuchs get to keep 4 percent of what they collect. The days may be numbered for Bihar’s underworld mafia who were the court of last resort in debt collection business. |