Imkong Walling
Treating taxes, direct taxation by the state in particular, with contempt has been the general sentiment in Nagaland. Blame it on the beliefs of time immemorial or a general air of shared mistrust between the government and the populace, resistance is what it often breeds.
The argument surrounding the introduction of parking tolls on non-commercial vehicles by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) would be one example. In November 2023, the DMC had notified the levying of parking tolls on thoroughfares falling in the commercial sectors, stamping a fee of Rs 10 for 2 and 3-wheelers, and Rs 20 for 4-wheelers.
This was slightly revised, this September, with the municipal body introducing parking fees, by the hour, on all private vehicles, while exempting government-owned vehicles.
Much as one would like to escape taxes and tolls, it is a necessary civilisational evil, one that which, when used appropriately and transparently, can have transformative effects on urban living.
However, there are certain concerns that must be accounted for, especially so, in a place where transparency is not in the lingua franca of the state establishment and its auxiliary arms.
Public accountability is one, which entails bringing to the public domain the terms of the contract with the agency or the private party to which the parking toll collection has been outsourced. Questions related to the tender advertisement, the eligibility criteria, who/which won the bidding process, the minimum revenue target set, the duration of the contract et cetera must be catered to.
Secondly, outsourcing a task when the DMC has more than enough in-house establishment staff is not a financially wise move. The DMC’s actual employee intake or sanctioned strength is around 260, as opposed to the nearabout 430 employees under its payroll, bringing into question the rationality of outsourcing a job when it already has paid extra hands.
Thirdly, where is the parking fee being parked? The municipality must be transparent on how the collected funds will be used or is being used. If the money is not going toward improving parking infrastructure and other urban amenities, what is the purpose of this tax? Without transparency, there is no justification.
Fourthly, exempting government vehicles is not only uncalled for but unjustified. What the brains, behind this decision, should have considered was the open use of government vehicles for domestic purposes by the officials and their families with impunity. Vehicles acquired through taxpayers’ money are not meant for shopping purposes and other casual jaunts.
While there are exceptions, law in general is said to treat every individual as equals. It implies ensuring that any government vehicle, including that of the administration, police and even legislators, not out on official work, pay the due parking fee as any other non-governmental commuter. Further, vehicles found to be in use by unauthorised personnel should be noted and reported.
Lastly, in addition to getting assisted parking, ensure the security of the vehicle, à la quid pro quo. The car-owner deserves something of value in exchange for the money handed away. Introducing a dress code for the parking fee collectors, with ID from the DMC, besides training them in the tenets of customer service would provide a semblance of professionalism, and safety for the toll collectors as well. The job should be of service to the public than a nuisance.
The writer is a Principal Correspondent at The Morung Express. Comments can be sent to imkongwalls@gmail.com
