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T R Zeliang. (File Photo)
DIMAPUR, MAY 8 (MExN): Leader of the Opposition, TR Zeliang today stated that democratic norms are being put to the test in Nagaland.
The former Chief Minister said this on twitter on Friday evening, while slamming the Nagaland Government’s decision to impose a COVID-19 cess on petrol, diesel and motor spirits.
Zeliang meanwhile pointed to the State Government’s move for a 15% pro-rata cut, from both plan and non-plan in every department, against the voted budget of 2020-2021 to be used in the fight against COVID-19.
“If the funds collected from this can be judiciously utilized I’m sure there would not be any immediate requirement for another form of tax but as seen in the past,” he stated. This 15% pro-rata cut would amount to huge numbers, which will all be at the discretion of the Finance Minister of the State who is also the Chief Minister, he added.
He further stated that total amount accumulated and how it is being utilised should be put in public domain.
Zeliang however alleged that the present government “only wants more from the people, thus imposing COVID cess on petroleum products.”
He further stated that during the all party meeting in Kohima recently, the Chief Minister’s reply on the reason for the COVID-19 cess was “absurd.”
According to Zeliang, the CM had stated that the move is “to tax the rich and help the poor.”
“But is it really the case on ground? Arbitrary decision by the Finance Minister-In Charge, without any consultation with stakeholders or his Cabinet or for that matter even the Opposition Member is very unfortunate and reeks of insincerity,” he said.
He added that the weaker section of the society will ultimately bear for the cost of the cess indirectly as prices of commodities will now exponentially climb up as a result of it. Furthermore, cars are no longer a luxury but necessity. People from all walks of life now depend on it for day to day chores and livelihood, Zeliang said.
He said that shortsightedness of the government policy will further aggravate the already poor economic state of Nagaland.
“The Government says that the fight against COVID19 is a collective effort but as is evident, they do not want a collective effort of the people but rather choose to take arbitrary decisions regardless of its negative impact on the people of the State,” the Leader of the Opposition stated.
