Encourage taking video clippings of illegal collection and harassment to transporters
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 20
Five days into the 6-day drive to check illegal monetary collection at the check-posts in Dimapur, the Public Action Committee urged the Dimapur district administration to revive the District Price Regulation Committee and that two PAC members be also included. The appeal was contained in a representation to the Deputy Commissioner submitted today, which also stated that a rate chart “for all commodities” should be worked out within a week.
In the representation, the PAC attributed the cause for price escalation in the market “to the lease system (or outsourcing toll collection) introduced by the Dimapur Municipal.” It added that it should be abolished “for good” from October 2019.
Further, it said that the DMC has not revised the prices of commodities (excluding construction items) listed under its control since 2012. It said that regulating the price of construction items comes under the authority of the district administration.
While stating that many unions are engaged in illegal collection of money, it asked the DC to cancel the licence of such organizations.
In a briefing to the media, the PAC said that another major cause for the price escalation has been heavy illegal collection imposed on transporters. Citing reliable inputs, the PAC said that it costs Rs 40,000 for a 6-wheeler to transport goods from Guwahati to Dimapur. “Out of the amount, Rs 21,000 is required to just enter Dimapur,” it said.
As many as 9 unions (mostly truckers unions) were said to have been operating at the check-posts each collecting no less than Rs. 100 per truck. The PAC said that these unions were nowhere to be seen since the vigil started.
The vigil concludes on September 21 but the PAC maintained the spirit of the campaign will be kept alive post the 6-day vigil. In this regard, it encouraged the public to inform the PAC of any case of illegal collection or harassment at phone numbers- 7005664039/7005440147/9862588715/7005755180/9612780245. “We appeal the citizens to provide documentary evidence and even video clippings. Anonymity will be maintained,” it said.
While it appreciated its volunteers and the support from the general populace, it expressed dissatisfaction at a perceived indifference of the state government towards the campaign. According to the PAC, none of the legislators from Dimapur has shown any hint of concern for the objective of the campaign.
