DIMAPUR, OCT 19 (MExN): Taking serious note of the ever-increasing illegal tax collections on transport vehicles by various registered and unregistered organizations, the Dimapur administration has banned several unions/associations from collecting tax in Dimapur. A meeting today between Deputy Commissioner KN Ngullie, ADC, DMC Chairman and members, Commissioner of Taxes and staff, Additional SP Dimapur, Naga Council , transport inspectors, representatives from NGOs, representatives from unions etc., banned the following unions/associations from collecting taxes, with immediate effect:
1. Dimapur Motor Workers and Trade union
2. Local Transportation Association
3. Dimapur Land Transport Workers Union
4. Dimapur Private Transport Association
5. Dimapur Truck Owners Association
6. Dimapur Auto Owners Association
7. Market Welfare Society, Dimapur.
DC Ngullie had called a meeting at the DC Conference Hall today to discuss the rempant collection of tax, its effects and measures to rein in the menace. The practice of collecting illegal taxes, despite several orders passed to curb the problem, remains rampant in the state.
The DC said that even the administration is confused as to who is authorized and who is not authorized due to the collection of tax by scores of organizations and unions each with their own agenda.
Also, the Commissioner of Taxes, Dimapur while pointing out that lack of modernized check gates, lack of manpower etc are some of the problems faced by the department for effective regulation on collection of tax, assured that the department would strictly enforce stipulated rules in future.
Further, Savi Liegesie, President of the Naga Council suggested that a committee comprising of the district administration, DMC, Naga Council, NGOs, church and experts be set up to study unauthorized tax collections in Dimapur. He said prices of essential commodities are increasing continuously, adversely affecting the general public while pointing out that the burdens of tax are shifted to people.
