Tax collection Indian style.

I read this lovely little item in The Times this mroning, on my way into work.

In the city of Patna, in one of India'a poorest regions, city officals have got so frustrated with people not paying any tax at all that they have come up with a novel way encouraging payment.

Instead of sending round baliffs, they send over a troop of dancing and singing eunuchs, all dressed up and wearing make up. The group then sing (loudly) little ditties like "Izzat jatau, sohrat jatau, tax na debe ta gharwa nilaam hotau" Which translated means "Your reputation will be tarnished, fame would be malice, if you do not pay tax your house would be auctioned." Catchy.

I'm sure we could do something similar in this country for tax evaders, or benefit cheats. Although we would have to send out our equivilant of the singing eunuchs, which would be X-Factor rejects.