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Assessing the maturity of a nation is easy, just look at its response to taxation policies. So say eminences on both sides of the big-versus-small government argument.

India has recently adopted the value-added tax (VAT), and given itself a splendid chance to revive public debate on "value addition", the canons of taxation, and indeed even the need for collective action.

Sadly, the quality of discourse so far (beyond a small sphere of tax specialists) has been shameful. To anyone citing lack of information on the subject as an excuse, stop right there.

This book is duly recommended. Written by Sukumar Mukhopadhyay, a former Indian Revenue Service officer, VAT expert and columnist for this paper, the book has all the relevant details. It serves as a guide too.

Economics of VAT

Sukumar Mukhopadhyay
Rs 480
656 PP
Centax