Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 14
TALKS between members of the Dimapur Municipal Council Employees’ Association (DMCEA) and Parliamentary Secretary for Urban Development Zhaleo Rio to find a solution to the deadlock pertaining to ‘toll tax’ issue today remained inconclusive with the resolute DMCEA members insisting on their demand for cancellation of the government order.The talks were held this morning in the office premises of the Dimapur Municipal Council even as the total cease work enforced by the DMCEA entered fourth day today. With no visible solution in sight, the DMCEA has decided to hold a general meeting on December 16 wherein the members will discuss its next course of action whether to continue with its democratic form of agitation or to keep it on hold.
Earlier, Zhaleo has appealed to the DMCEA to call off total cease work and resume their normal function in the best interest of the citizens. He said the government is ready to find solution to their genuine problem.
He reminded the members that continuing with the total cease work will not augur well for the department and the government as it will bring bad reputation when the public begins to vent their ire.
“Let us reason together, the government is there to support you,” Zhaleo said while asserting that the government is ever ready to find solution to their genuine problems.
He also highlighted the genesis of toll tax issue which has resulted in the present stalemate and also the series of meetings held with the DMCEA representatives. He said the municipal councils should work within the parameter of the Nagaland Municipal Council Act, 2001.
While viewing the present stalemate, Zhaleo asked if there are some persons within the members who are indulging in dirty politics for vested interest or interference of external forces at work to create division within the DMC and Urban Development department family. He reasoned that it is not the job of the employees nor is it humanly possible to collect toll tax 24×7.
Zhaleo has further appealed to the members to resume their normal function, keeping in mind the festive season and in the interest of the public.
Joint secretaries of Urban Development department Alun Hangsing and Nikhashe Sema also spoke in the meeting.
DMCEA has reiterated its contention against the system and procedures in allotting lessees to collect toll tax. The members have asserted its desire to maintain transparency and accountability in matter relating to collection of toll tax. They have urged the Parliamentary Secretary to fulfill their demand by revoking the government’s order which had authorized lessees to collect toll tax.
While referring to Section 199 of the Nagaland Municipal Council Act, 2001, the Association maintained that it has ‘enough manpower’ to collect toll tax without the assistance of lessees in the functioning of its affairs.
Till late afternoon, DMCEA members were seen in discussion trying to hammer out a solution. The Association has also taken into account the various appeals by civil societies of Dimapur town. The ultimate outcome will only be known only on Monday after the proposed general meeting of the Association.
