Dimapur, July 2 (MExN): The Dimapur unit of the Indian National Congress party has questioned the credibility of the franchising firm for the High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) in Nagaland. The Dimapur Congress Committee (DCC) issued a press release today questioning the fees charged by the firm, M/S Simnit Utsch India Pvt Ltd.
The DCC noted the notification issued by the Transport department recently which stated that the State has one of the ‘lowest prices’ among the north-eastern States. “Nagaland may have the lowest price comparative to north-east states but why don’t the department quote the price with the States across the country which have implemented and have lower price for HSRP?” stated the DCC’s note appended by member of the DCC’s anti-corruption unit Kevishel Viswentso.
The DCC lamented that the Nagaland government entered into contract with a tainted firm which had reportedly bid the “lowest price.” This, the DCC stated, clearly indicates the rate was quoted by the firm itself and the State government was obliged to take the “lowest price” quote without considering the public’s interest.
The Congress is not against the implementation of the HSRP but against the exorbitant rate imposed on the public for the installation of the HSRPs, the Congress said. “Generally, the cost of the normal number plates in the market varies from Rs. 300 to Rs. 600 but whereas the government is charging much higher than the normal price,” the DCC said.
The Congress unit has asked the government not to fool the public by quoting the comparative rates of the NE states’ only, which, ironically, happens to be among the highest in comparison to the rates in other states of the country. The Congress unit says it would not tolerate or compromise the issue.
