Organisations demand repeal of Covid-19 cess

Dimapur, May 1 (EMN): Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has termed the recent decision of the government to impose ‘Covid-19 cess’ on diesel and petrol and motor spirit by INR 5 and INR 6 respectively “totally uncalled, anti-people and devoid of any logic.”

DCCI’s statement through its media cell stated that government’s order to hike fuel prices was nothing more than utter disregard of the common man’s plight at a time when the public is hard hit on all fronts due to the lockdown in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

While registering its strong protest against the price hike, DCCI urged the government to immediately revoke the order in the best interest of all concerned.

DCCI reminded the government that the representation submitted Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) should taken with full seriousness as it represents the entire business community of Nagaland. DCCI stated that it is ready to act upon on CNCCI directives to go to any length to see that the arbitrary cess on fuel prices is revoked.

DCCI felt that it is no time to indulged in confrontation rather the whole of state should join hands in the fight against Covid-19. It, therefore, urged the state government to listen to the voice of the stakeholders.

DCCI further urged the government to learn from other states, where hundreds and thousands of crore money are being pumped in as a stimulus packages to save and bring back the state economy to normalcy.

In a separate statement, Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) stated that the government’s decision to levy ‘Covid-19 cess’ on diesel and petrol has revealed its inefficiency in not only tackling the Covid-19 pandemic but also in the whole gamut of governance.

MCCI’s statement through its president Tsukti Longkumer and general secretary Limalenden Longkumer also stated that it has revealed the insatiable cupidity of the state government and how distantly the government has wandered away from its objective function, that is, welfare of the common people.

Stating that surreptitious exploitation of common people by the state government was highly questionable, MCCI has urged the state government to repeal “Covid-19 cess on diesel and petrol” without delay keeping in mind the objective function of the government.

While acceding with the chief secretary who stated that Covid-19 cess on diesel and petrol was imposed in a bid to increase the state’s revenue under the current situation, MCCI was of the view that accruing revenue by jeopardising the whole economy was not wise. The chief secretary was quoted as saying that the government could collect only INR 5 crore out of INR 106 crore targeted revenue for the month of March due to the lockdown.

MCCI has urged the government to focus on facilitating and enabling the recovery of the state’s fragile economy rather that abusing state power to slay what remains of the economy.

Kohima District Congress Committee (KDCC) too has demanded roll-back of Covid-19 cess on diesel and petrol as it would result in price rise of commodities.
In a representation to the deputy commissioner, Kohima, KDCC stated that imposing extra tax in this situation would be adding “salt to injury.” KDCC also pointed out that it was unreasonable for the government to impose petrol and a diesel cess despite of prices of crude oil are at the lowest in twenty years time.

The KDCC representation appended by its president Kevi Vizo urged the government to restructure the state’s economy to stimulate economic growth and bring down prices in line with the centre’s policies instead of raising cess to increase prices.

In another statement, Consumer Rights Organisation (CRO) Nagaland also has urged the state government to focus on the welfare, sustenance and healthcare facilities with utmost priority rather than burdening the consumer with such policy during such pandemic crises.

CRO vice president Shahilo Tep and president James Jungio have urged the government to not only roll back its order but slash cess on fuel during the critical crisis.

Meanwhile, CRO has reminded the business communities to strictly follow the rate of commodities prescribed by the government. It has warned of legal action any person indulging in malpractices.

CRO also informed that it carried out a relief distribution for marginal and needy people in Dimapur on May 1.