Dimapur, Nov 17 (MExN): The Nagaland Voluntary Consumers Organization (NVCO) in its fight against illegal collection of tax in the state of Nagaland and to “prove that the consumer is the king in the market” will hold an open air public rally at Plaza Point Dimapur on November 18 from 10 am onwards. The rally is being organized jointly with Consumer Society Dimapur. The Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, K Nzimongo Ngullie will address the people as chief guest. All major government departments and civil societies including the Naga Council Dimapur, will be participating in the rally.
According to NVCO President Kezhokhoto Savi consumer movement in Nagaland is ‘growing from strength to strength’. With a vision to uphold consumers’ rights the NVCO was formed in 1994 which led to formation of district-level affiliates. Recently the Mokokchung unit was formed while the Tuensang unit is scheduled for launch on November 25. According to Savi, instances of result in the organization’s endeavor in fighting for the rights of consumers are that of 8% reduction in prices of medicines from 35%-20% in Kiphire and Mokokchung. Pharmaceutical prices in Pfutsero town remains the highest, according to Savi. He blamed Dimapur as the root cause of the price rise which consequently also brought about illegal collection of tax in various ways at check gates, national and state highways.
It was informed that earlier this year the NVCO undertook a surprise checking and found out several instances of tax being collected illegally on NH 39. A report was prepared and submitted to the state government for corrective measures. “Illegal collection of money in the name of tax has become common and this illegal practice is increasing not only in Dimapur but all over the districts in Nagaland and even in the country and these illegal practices in the state has to be stopped immediately” Savi stated.
The Dimapur Police, Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer protection, Food & drugs department, Dimapur Municipal council, Dimapur Naga Students Union, Nagaland Government-registered Contractors Union, district NVCO units and others will be participating in the rally.
