Morung Express News
Dimapur| July 9
The newly introduced ‘parking tax’ by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) on all private vehicles is not unexpected. Several times in the past, the DMC had raised the possibility of such a tax being introduced. Dimapur is now the first municipality in Nagaland to enforce ‘parking tax,’ and it’s not something that comes without a few questions from the tax payers. The question most people want to know is how the tax payers’ money will be utilised. Since the fees apply only on private vehicles, questions about parking space and car security is what most people are raising. However, that comes short of their expectations as the tax is seen as an income generation activity for the civic body.
On this matter, the member in-charge of Tolls & Fees, Simon Yepthomi, admitted that the ‘parking tax’ is still on a trial basis. Lamenting on the haphazard ways in which the system is being carried out, Yepthomi assured that things will eventually be put in place for tax payers’ satisfaction. As far as infrastructure is concerned, the member said the proposed parking lot in New Market is likely to take time. He, nonetheless, said the DMC is going to put in more investment to streamline the parking system and method of collection of ‘parking tax’.
One of the common complaints about the new ‘parking tax’ is that some motorists are being taxed in different places in one day. While some people are familiar with the notification by the DMC to pay tax only once a day, there are those who are unaware about the new system. Simon Yepthomi said that the system is new for everyone and it will take time for both the collectors and tax payers to organise themselves.
Tax payers can also breathe easy as the new tax will not be extended to other parts of the town. It will remain confined to the eight bustling areas of Dimapur. However, the manner of issuing receipts to motorists has been found to be disorganised as some people are paying tax while some slip away without encountering the collectors. There are about 25 collectors employed with the DMC, taking shifts especially in busy areas. Their inability to issue tickets fairly to all vehicles is something the DMC should look into. Also the announcement of Rs.2 as ‘parking tax’ on two wheelers has left many people confused as the receipt is issued for Rs.3.
With Dimapur growing by leaps and bounds, the DMC will need to do some meticulous planning if taxes are to be imposed on the public.
