Opening wallets

Charitable donations represent an invaluable addition to government-run relief work in a society like ours.

It is true that the constant increase in tax revenues of the last few years has given the government more revenue than ever to pay for worthy causes. Plus, the leadership's signature "people first" approach obliges the authorities to be more generous with public welfare.

But it is also true that there are many poverty- and disaster-relief projects awaiting funds from State coffers. Yes, such programs are getting a bigger share of the government budget, but that amount is still far from sufficient. This is where charitable donations fit in.

The official figures on poverty have been declining over the past few years. The country's efforts to reduce absolute poverty have earned the country enormous respect on the international stage. But such glory should never blind us to the less-than-glowing reality. Our official poverty line is quite low. In part because of inadequate social security guarantees, those who live close to the line are at the mercy of frequent natural disasters and major illnesses.

There is a huge need for charitable contributions. And the pool of potential donors is in place to provide them - our briskly moving economy has nurtured a crowd of well-to-do citizens who are willing to spend on charitable activities.

However, as some newly wealthy people have said in response to charges of miserliness, the procedures for making donations are complex and confusing.

The newly amended law on income taxes for enterprises offers more attractive incentives for corporate donors, raising hopes of a surge in donations. It would be sad if this enthusiasm were dampened by tedious formalities.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs is reportedly finalizing a draft of a law on charitable affairs, which ministry sources said would simplify procedures for tax exemptions.

Not all donors are after tax breaks. But since frustrating procedures are an obvious obstruction, we will have to remove them.

Let us hope the law is completed and endorsed soon by the national legislature, clearing the way for charitable deeds, be they individual or corporate in provenance.