Approval to collect tax: NVCO demands answers

Dimapur, Nov. 16 (EMN): The Nagaland Voluntary Consumer’s  Organisation (NVCO) has asked the government authorities to clarify whether it had given approval to a transport group to “collect cash on highways.” The NVCO issued a press release on Saturday seeking action. ‘The NVCO urges the state government to immediately react (sic) as to whether the state government had issued proper order in favour of the Petroleum and Land Transport Workers’ Federation of India (PLTWFI), Nagaland unit, to collect cash on any highway,’ the NVCO’s press release read. The organisation referred to a press statement of the PLTWFI refuting taxation charges stating that the federation was in possession of “proper order” from the state government. The NVCO urged the authorities to immediately clarify whether the government issued “such proper order in favour of PLTWFI to collect cash on any highways in Nagaland.” Here, the organisation stated that the transport group entering into memorandums of understanding with similar groups such as the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers & Motor Workers’ Union and All Assam Truck Drivers’ Union to collect cash on highways across Nagaland state “is out of question.” It is making a mockery of the law, the NVCO reminded. “In co-ordination with the All Manipur Transport Drivers & Motor Workers’ Union several pay-counters has been set up in Kohima district with local people and for which the NVCO urged the state government to issue summon to the union as to why such illegal conduct is practice in the state and on the other hand they complaint and alleged huge illegal taxation in Nagaland especially at the check-gates and on highways which is also part of their contribution.” The PLTWFI’s registration is done by the registrar of Trade Union in Assam and operating in more than one state is not possible, the NVCO stated. The NVCO also iterated the various government and judicial orders prohibiting illegal taxation and ‘collection of cash along check gates and highways by any public or government agency. Naga Council’s PAC wonders why authorities can’t rein in illegal activities The public action committee (PAC) of the Naga Council of Dimapur is appreciative of the NVCO and Kohima District Truck Owners and Drivers Union seeking an inquiry into the extortion activities in Kohima district. The committee issued a press release to the media on Saturday expressing surprise why the authorities cannot rein in the illegal activities going on in the state. It is the duty of the government authorities to curb illegal activities, from tax collections to syndications, so that the state’s citizens do not suffer because of the greed of a few, the committee stated. ‘PAC NCD extends our sincere support to NVCO and the Kohima District Truck Owners and Drivers’ Union (KDTODU) appealing the district administration to set up an enquiry committee on illegal collections going on in Kohima district,’ the committee stated in its press release. ‘It is the bounden duty of the state government to contain and condemn illegal collections, lease systems, syndications so that the citizens do not become victims of greed of a few. The trend of collecting illegal money by unions and organisations have become a menace and they are responsible for undue escalation of prices.’ The committee said also that it finds no reason why the state government cannot take action when the High Court order of June 3 2014 stands. The state government cannot strictly implement it own standing order dated June 22nd 2009, the committee stated. The PAC is also shocked that apex organisations such as Southern Angami Public Organisations (SAPO) should show ‘ill examples.’ The committee has appealed to the SAPO and other organisations to stop such collections immediately. “PAC unconditionally extends support to all likeminded organisations that fight against the social evils affecting the Naga public. We appeal all unions, bodies, organisations to come out in support of these genuine organisations fighting for a better and healthier Naga society,” the committee stated in its press release.