Dimapur, July 20 (MExN): Following media reports on escalation of bricks rate to more than Rs. 10 per piece, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Bricks Field Owners Union (BFOU) had a joint meeting at DCCI office on July 19.
The DCCI found out that “rate racketeering” is mainly due to the presence of “middlemen” selling bricks at various locations in towns and highways, said a press release from DCCI. The “middlemen” purchase bricks from bricks kilns and sell at a higher price.
The meeting also revealed that the bricks at the brick kilns are still being sold at the rates fixed by the district administration on February 3, 2018, that is Rs. 6.50 for A class, Rs 6 for medium class, Rs. 5.50 for medium class and broken bricks at Rs. 3500-4000/- per truckload.
In this connection, the DCCI has appealed to the district administration to immediately intervene and either close those retailers or ensure that they sell bricks at rates fixed by the administration. DCCI further urged the public to make conscious decisions and buy from the brick kilns at rates fixed by the administration rather than be cheated by the middlemen selling at inflated rates.
Further, it was brought to the notice of DCCI by BFOU that the taxation from various Naga Political Groups (NPGs) are overburdening the brick kilns production and the business community has no choice but to recover from the price of the bricks, the release stated.
It further added that taxation is multiple – Yearly tax, Coal yearly tax, Coal per trip tax, Sand tax, Vehicle tax, Labour tax – and are being collected by various NPGs.
“These 6 taxes multiplied by 7 NPGs totals into 42 taxes that are paid to produce a single brick, which is beyond any justification and reasons and DCCI appeals the State Government to look into the grievances of BFOU,” the press release read.
The DCCI and BFOU further resolved and informed the consumers that any brick kiln selling bricks above rates fixed by district administration should be immediately reported to the given contact numbers: 7005886916 or 7005526728. If any kiln is found selling the bricks above fixed rates stringent action to the extent of cancellation of the permit will be initiated, it warned.
