Dimapur, June 25 (MExN): The suffering people of the state are appealed to take advantage of the anti-illegal taxation and anti-extortion orders being issued by the state government and fight the disease as one. The opportunity to fight extortion and illegal taxation has been offered to say “no” to the malady that is plaguing every common citizen of the society, the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation urged today
A message from the consumers’ organization said it will continue to fight against illegal taxes and extortion in Nagaland and has assured full support to any ‘genuine truckers association either within the state or outside the state’ in the event of the government’s failure to effectively execute the government decisions in stopping the disease.
The NVCO suggested that the deputy commissioners in each district headquarter must invite and involve public organizations, churches, women, students and youth organizations to effectively implement the government’s decision to stop illegal taxes and extortion in the state.
The NVCO made a sincere and strong appeal to all the citizens to strongly take advantage of the government’s decision banning all forms of taxes. The NVCO urged the citizens not to pay any money and cash to any counters on the highways. The public, traders, businessmen, contractors and suppliers are urged to exercise their right by saying “no” except to authorized authorities and that too, through “challan” (receipt memo) and not in cash.
The NVCO also cautioned the state government against allowing taxation or deduction from contractors’ bills in the form of so-called “commission” by ministers, politicians, technocrats and government servant. This “commission” and deduction culture followed by state leaders “is the main instrument contributing the failure of ensuring quality of work to be done in the state.” It amounts to illegal collection of “tax” the NVCO reminded the government.
“The NVCO seriously hope that the government’s decision in banning illegal collection of taxes on highways is a bold step towards elimination of corruption….” The organization stated
It was also informed that a consumers’ awareness book, “NVCO on Consumer Awareness, RTI Campaign and Right to Food as Part of Capacity-Building,” has been released. The book is said to be written by Kezhokhoto Savi. The organization said the book was released with the hope that the state government would take effective measures to stop and remove all illegal taxation and extortion in the state. The NVCO regularly hold consumers’ awareness campaigns in the state with government departments, communities and organizations.
