KOHIMA, MARCH 15 (MExN): Illegal taxes or more appropriately illegal collections, is gravely hampering small business, and is responsible for escalation in the price of essentials commodities in the state. However, the state government has done nothing to curb this menace, said experts on Consumers’ Rights.
Illegal taxes include illegal collections by state police without issuing receipt; collections by underground organizations and by different government registered organizations and associations.
Variation in the prices of essential commodities in Nagaland and other states of India also came into sharp focus. Experts felt that high prices of commodities in the state comparing to other states are due to illegal collections.
Rev. Lima, finance secretary of the NBCC said that even charitable commodities are not spared from these collections. He said that on most occasions they have to write note stating that the transported items are purely charitable and not for business. Sometime such requests are honoured, but most of the time they have to pay.
David, president of the Kiphire Consumers’ Organization pointed out that this illegal taxes have gravely hampered small businessmen and traders, especially those coming from a far flung areas. These random collections at various check gates dampens the spirit of enthusiastic local traders, he said.
Participants acknowledged the role of media in highlighting this menace. However, press representatives felt that they had written so many things on illegal taxes, but since they tend to be more of an observer, the fight against to curb these collections should be initiated by the people themselves.
Experts came down heavily on the state police stating that illegal collections at the gates have become a gravy train to riches for the latter. Kezhokhoto Savi, president of the NVCO said that although random collections are undertaken by the state police at various check gates, even the people are silent on the issue. He blamed the public for failure in tacking these illegal collections in the state.
Yesterday, commemoration of World Consumers’ Day was jointly organized by Angami Public Organization and the Nagaland Voluntary Consumer Organization under the theme, ‘How to fight against illegal collections in the state.’ Representatives from different organizations took part in the deliberation.
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