PAC submits representation to DC on double taxation by govt

PAC volunteers at the inter-state New Field Check-post of the Nagaland government in Dimapur on day one (September 16) of the weeklong PAC campaign to check illegal taxation by government, extra-constitutional bodies and unions at various entry check-posts to the city. 

‘Campaign can become a state-wide mass movement’

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 17

Day two of the Public Action Committee’s (PAC) campaign to curb illegal collection at the check-posts in Dimapur had the PAC submitting a representation to the Deputy Commissioner. The representation submitted on September 17 pertained to the unresolved tussle between the Departments of Forests and Geology & Mining on the rights over collecting revenue/royalty on minor minerals. This has resulted in the state government taxing construction items like sand and gravel twice through two separate departments, which are technically at loggerheads. 

In the representation to the DC, the PAC questioned as to why the state government is collecting “royalty” on mineral items imported by the state. “Is royalty not to be collected only when the minerals are exported from our land?” it asked, while it demanded to know the legal rationale behind it.

 It added that taxing one item twice is illegal as per the law. 

While stating that illegal collection by government departments is also contributing to abnormal price escalation, the PAC maintained that as decided on September 16, it will prohibit the two departments from collecting “royalty” till the issue is resolved. 

Later briefing the media of the day’s developments, the PAC informed that among the changes noticed was of the two departments withholding collection of royalty on sand and gravel since September 17 evening. 

It added that an FIR was lodged on the evening of September 17 in connection to a person, who was allegedly found collecting toll from trucks at the inter-state Dillai check-post on behalf of the Dimapur Municipal Council.  

As per the report of volunteers, the PAC said that the person, who absconded, had reportedly collected DMC toll from trucks before the vehicles crossed over. He was said to have been depositing the collected amount at the DMC booth when he was confronted by volunteers. It was alleged that the money collected was way over the prescribed rate.

Asked about the illegal collection by Naga Political Groups, the PAC said it has so far not come across any at the check-posts. It was though added that it cannot be ruled out, while adding, “Maybe they have changed location. But we’ll also change our strategy according to the situation.” 

The likelihood of the police personnel stationed at the check-posts letting through heavy commercial vehicles before the daily 5:00 -7:00am time slot was also not ruled out. 

“Even today, vehicles (trucks) were allowed in well before 5:00am,” it said citing reports from volunteers. It added that the DC was apprised of this matter today.  

“We are not saying we will eradicate illegal collection. Our aim is to highlight the situation. We hope that the government will act, if not the campaign will become a futile exercise.” 

While stating that the PAC has received encouraging words about the campaign from other districts, one of the members said, “If this can continue, it can become mass movement across the state.”  

Meanwhile, it informed that the PAC will be convening a meeting with tribal hohos and frontal organizations based in Dimapur on September 17 at the office of the Naga Council, Dimapur. It will begin at 9:00am.