Parliamentary Secretary (Taxes) Nagaland, Tovihoto Ayemi, at the introduction meeting held today at the office of Commissioner Taxes ADC Court Dimapur. (Morung Photo)
Tovihoto calls on department of Taxes to change mindset of Nagas towards tax
Dimapur, April 11 (MExN): Parliamentary Secretary (Taxes) Nagaland, Tovihoto Ayemi, today said that the State Taxes Department has made impressive progress on computerization, and is now on the forefront of IT migration among government departments in the State. While stating appreciation to the officers involved, he said that in today’s age of information technology, computerization is a key factor in enhancing efficiency. He stated this at the introduction programme held at the conference hall of Commissioner Taxes ADC Court Dimapur.
“Taxes department contributes about 60% of the State’s total revenue despite the fact that it has only 281 staff strength,” he said taking stock of the departmental activities. Tovihoto also added that this is a commendable achievement and should be appreciated by all. He also acknowledged e-services like “Taxsoft” which the department has put in place, which he said, will go a long way in resolving our tax related problems.
“We all know of the traditional resistance of the Nagas to payment of any forms of tax,” said the Parliamentary Secretary adding that this is not something that can be solved overnight. However, he underscored the need of the department to slowly, but surely work to change this mindset.
Tovihoto also informed that the Government shall be looking closely at the performances of all the officers and ensure that only efficient officers shall occupy important posts. “I am afraid I may have to ask for officers’ performance detail for the last five years,” he said at the programme which was also the first financial meeting of the year for the department.
He also assured that he will do his best to provide whatever support is needed to ensure that the department is provided with adequate facilities to fulfill its duties and responsibilities. He also said that having learnt of the departments various construction activities like the directorate, offices of the Superintend, official residence of Commissioner etc he will try his best to ensure that adequate funds are provided to the department. He also expressed wish to sit with the department officials for a more detailed meeting.
Asangba Chunba Ao, IAS, Commissioner of Taxes also presented an overview of the Department of Taxes. He gave an introduction of the department, its focus areas and action plans for 2012-14, pending proposals to be undertaken 2013-14. He also gave an overview of the MMP-CT project, the department’s key accomplishments, achievements and its challenges ahead. Also, Additional Chief Secretary & Finance Commissioner of the Government of Nagaland, Toshi Aier also addressed the gathering.
