Vehicles stopping at the Newfield inter-state checkpost before entering Dimapur from the Karbi Anglong side, Assam. (Morung File Photo by Soreishim Mahong)
Appeals to CNCCI to reconsider decision on state-wide shutdown
Kohima, September 14 (MExN): With the day of state-wide shutdown in Nagaland called by the Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI) approaching, the Nagaland government on September 13 decided to immediately do away with collection of any kind of tax/fees on items/goods that come under the GST regime. It has also appealed to the Confederation to reconsider its call for a state-wide shutdown on September 16.
According to an update from the State DIPR, the decision was taken during a meeting held on September 13 under the Chairmanship of the state Deputy Chief Minister.
The meeting was reportedly held to deliberate developing a ‘comprehensive strategy’ to deal with the complaints pertaining to illegal taxation/extortion in Dimapur; and also for discussing the matter of collection of items tax/fees by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and certain other issues as contained in the representation submitted by the CNCCI to the state Chief Secretary earlier on September 9.
After due deliberation, it was reportedly decided that “collection of any kind of tax/fees on items/goods that comes under GST regime shall be immediately stopped by all the Municipals and Town Councils across the State. Any other Government Department/agency, which may be collecting tax on any items falling under GST regime shall also give directions for immediately stopping such collections.”
It was also decided that the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur in consultation with PHQ will immediately put in place a security grid and take other measures, including stationing sufficient security personnel at various locations to check illegal taxation/extortion.
The Administrators of all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are to take steps for including the representatives of the business communities of their cities/towns in their advisory committees for taking decisions in respect to various business related activities.
The necessary orders/directions, wherever required, for the decisions taken in the meeting would be issued shortly by the government, the DIPR report added.
In the meeting, it was also informed that the application of the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFEASI) Act, 2002 is under examination of the Select Committee of Nagaland Legislative Assembly and that the meeting of the Select Committee was scheduled on September 14.
In view of the above, the government has appealed to CNCCI to reconsider its call for a state-wide closure of all the shops and business establishments on September 16.
It also appealed for support and cooperation to the government departments in tackling the menace of illegal taxation/extortion and also for assisting in further improving the ease of doing business in the state.
According to the DIPR report, the meeting was attended by the Advisor, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Chief Secretary, Nagaland, DGP, Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner, Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Principal Secretary, Home, Commissioner, Nagaland along with other senior officers.
It may be noted that earlier, the CNCCI had announced the state-wide closure of shops and business establishments on September 16 in solidarity with the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce &Industry’s (DCCI) ‘shutter down’ protest in Dimapur against multiple taxation by Naga Political Groups (NPGs) and government agencies.
The CNCCI has cautioned that it would step up agitation in case of failure of the state government to act even after the one-day shutdown.
