Dimapur, October 1 (MExN): The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) on Thursday raised concerns about ‘multiple illegal ‘taxation at check gates and called for curbing the same before 'it goes out of hand'.
The root cause of the economic blockade and price rise of commodities, according to BAN, is illegal taxation. It noted that while there are many forms of illegal taxation, the point of concern is taxation at check gates.
BAN stood by the agitating truckers, stating that they have been bogged down by tax collection at check gates. “No right thinking person would want to be taxed multiple times at various locations,” it added.
It questioned whether some of these taxes are legal, keeping in mind GST norms and further alleged that a major part of these collections do not reach the state’s exchequer.
The Association said that goods carrying vehicles stopped at various points encourages multiple taxation for the same commodity. It also makes it convenient for “various unscrupulous individuals and organizations to levy taxes,” it added.
The public will ultimately pay the price once the cost of commodities goes up, the Association noted.
Stating that the government has the tendency to react only after matters reach the ‘boiling point’, BAN expressed hope that steps would be taken before it becomes “too hot for the government to handle.”
