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Dimapur, May 3 (EMN): Stating that the recent move to impose Covid-19 cess on petroleum products would double the burden on the struggling citizens, Konyak Union (KU) has urged the state government to consider on dual aspects regarding the current pandemic and the subsequent socio-economic implications while framing any policy.
KU’s statement through its media cell has urged the government to judiciously execute policies by considering people's plight and suffering on account of continued lockdown. KU felt that state government should meticulously recognise the structural dynamics of society, its component and implication before imposing Covid-19 cess on petroleum products.
Considering the existence of three layered class of society in the state, KU stated that the dynamics of existence and survival of these societies must be duly examined and evaluated. KU has classified the three layers into rich and upper class Naga society, middle class society, and poorer section of Naga society.
With the current outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent nationwide lockdown, KU stated that the rich and upper class Naga society are immune to any form of hardship that might come along as this group has better access to modern healthcare facilities.
On the middle class Naga society, KU stated that they struggle for survival without much avenue or support from the government and remained blind in any benefits that are available from the government.
Considering the present scenario, KU stated that they are the least privileged section and most vulnerable to succumb to the pandemic in their struggle for sustenance and livelihood. Stating that imposing Covid-19 cess on petroleum products would double their burdens, KU has urged the state government to consider their plight before implementing such policies or act.
On the poorer section of Naga society, KU stated that they are privileged to be benefited by various government schemes available. It added that this section is least vulnerable to the current pandemic since they are mostly rural inhabitants. It, therefore, stated that the current imposition to levy Covid-19 cess on petroleum products would not affect this section.
Considering the above justification and factual realities, KU has appealed to the state government to exempt those struggling citizens from the purview of Covid-19 cess.