Raids and penalties besides multi-taxation crippling business in Dimapur
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 31 (MExN): A new type of harassment to the business community has reportedly taken shape in Dimapur. As per the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), the new form of harassment comes in the form of random vigilante checks and raids on godowns (warehouses) by the “various groups” (NPGs) and imposing of monetary penalty.
“Some groups are going to the extent of imposing heavy penalties on godowns storing damaged goods or expired item,” revealed the DCCI in a press release, today. While terming the action as “uncalled for and unwarranted,” it clarified there are norms and procedures with regard to management of damaged and expired items.
“We have to store the expired items and damaged goods in godowns as companies (manufacturers/distributors) give refund for such goods. After due process the expired or damaged items are either returned to respective companies or later destroyed.”
While questioning the logic of the raids and penalties imposed, it sought from the “groups” as to how to manage expired items. “Please advise us where we should store expired or damaged goods before due process of refund or disposing is done?”
The newfound checks and raids are in addition to the crippling illegal and multiple taxations imposed by various groups, which the DCCI said, has increased, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
It said that the chain of unrelenting taxation starts from the train wagons to the godowns and extends till the retail showrooms and shops. Over and above the yearly taxes imposed by the various groups on each and every business, it added that imposing item-wise taxes have also started.
The relatively high prices of commodities in Dimapur as opposed to in adjoining border towns like Lahorijan and Khatkhati (Assam) or even Kohima and other towns in the state has been a result of Dimapur becoming a “tax base” for the various groups, it held.
Describing the attitude of the state government to the issue as lukewarm, it posed, “The business community is contributing a major chunk of revenue to the state government… Now, the business community would also like to seek an answer from the state government– whether we should pay taxes to the various groups or the state government?”
While stating that it is up to the government to decide, the DCCI said that it would have no option but to take “extreme measures,” including business closure “if the government turns a blind eye to the plight of the business community.”
Extend business days
The DCCI further requested the Dimapur district administration to allow opening of shops/businesses on all weekdays, except Sundays. In other districts, it said that shops are allowed to open six days a week but in Dimapur, it is only four days a week.
It also urged the Dimapur Municipal Council to do away with item-wise imposition of tolls to ease the burden on traders.
Furthermore, it cautioned traders against indulging in any kind of illegal or unfair trade practices. “Those shops found practicing unfair trade practices would be penalized as per provision of the law. DCCI also reminds all shops and business houses to strictly adhere to SOPs regarding Covid-19 as laid down by the District Task Force.”
