HPC on “taxation” is being constituted

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today stated that the government is taking all necessary measures to contain illegal taxation in the state. Addressing the NLA session today, he informed that the setting up of a High Powered Committee to check illegal taxation, as requested by the ACAUT Nagaland, is not a problem but that demands for inclusion of a retired Judge and some formalities have delayed the process. He further appreciated the activities of ACUAT Nagaland.

Earlier, Nagaland Home Minister, G Kaito Aye informed that the HPC is in the process of being constituted and that the details would be made available after its finalization. Kaito stated this in reply to starred questions raised by NLA members, Dr Imtiwapang Aier and C Apok Jamir. On queries regarding the government’s cognizance on multiple taxation by various groups on the business establishment, the Minister replied that the law enforcement agencies have been geared up to enforce the rule of law.

He informed that the government has issued an order directing against collection of taxes by any organization or individuals including government departments such as Police, Excise, Forest and Taxes etc.  He added that the government had issued an order reiterating earlier orders and warning prosecution under Section 188 and 384 of IPC.

It may be recalled that the state government in its order dated May 31, 2012, ordered that no unions, or associations, or NGOs or any other private or community organizations shall be allowed to collect any form of taxes membership free/subscription /contribution/donation/charge/levy/tool/ or any other form of collection of money on state highways/national highways or market places, except those expressly authorized by an order of the government.

The order also stated that no union or associations/NGOs, connected with welfare of transporters or with any business interest, shall be allowed to operate any main offices/sub-offices/information centre/welfare centre/Kiosk/any other structure, in the name of the organizations, at state highways or national highways.