National Assembly deputies discussed the revised Special Consumption Tax draft law on March 26th, focusing on the taxation of funeral offerings and its impact on citizens.
Funeral Offerings and Special Consumption Tax: A Sensitive Issue
The revised Special Consumption Tax draft proposes taxing funeral offerings, excluding children’s toys and school supplies. However, this has sparked considerable debate among deputies.
Deputy Phạm Thị Thanh Mai (Hanoi) argued that taxing funeral offerings should not be equated with taxing children’s toys or school supplies, emphasizing the importance of funeral customs in Vietnamese culture. She urged careful consideration to avoid taxing these items.
Changing Habits, Protecting the Environment: Alternative Solutions?
Deputy Nguyễn Văn Cảnh (Bình Định) proposed that increased taxes are not an effective way to change the practice of burning offerings. Instead, he advocated for increased awareness campaigns and alternative methods, such as “burning Visa cards” for the deceased or scattering money at intersections instead of along funeral processions.
Deputy Cảnh stressed that burning offerings is a deeply held cultural belief and that higher taxes would not discourage the practice. He argued that promoting awareness and exploring environmentally friendly alternatives would be more effective.
Digital Transformation in Funeral Practices: A New Approach?
National Assembly Vice Chair Nguyễn Đức Hải mentioned the nation’s ongoing digital transformation efforts. He suggested that encouraging electronic alternatives, similar to using electronic incense instead of burning offerings in some countries, should also be considered.
Conclusion
The National Assembly’s discussion on taxing funeral offerings highlights the need to balance environmental protection with respect for traditional cultural practices. Exploring alternative practices, promoting awareness campaigns, and embracing digital solutions are crucial steps toward addressing this sensitive issue. Further discussions and exploration are necessary to develop the most effective solution.
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