Parliamentary secretary for IT&C, TE, Science & Technology and Taxes, Tovihoto Ayemi lauded the Taxes departments for making impressive progress in computerization in keeping up with the age of information and technology which is a key factor for enhancing efficiency.
Speaking at the introductory meet with department officials at the conference hall here Thursday, Tovihoto said the e-services provided by the Department will go a long way in resolving tax related problems and also make compliance by tax payers much more convenient.
Tovihoto also asked the Taxes department to work towards changing the traditional resistance of Nagas against paying taxes by creating awareness through campaigns, trainings and seminars.
He also took note of the department’s contribution of about 60% to the state’s total revenue receipts and lauded the department for “good performance” despite the fact that the department had only 281 personnel.
The parliamentary secretary acknowledged the department’s initiation of proposals for increasing revenue receipts. He said such initiations would require dedication and commitment from department personnel and which the government would closely monitor the performance.
He also underscored the need to properly equip the officers and staffs of the department so that they did not lag behind in any respect in discharging their responsibilities.
Tovihoto also assured all possible help to ensure that adequate funds were provided for construction of directorate offices of superintendents, official residents of the commissioner, repair and renovations of the quarters, construction of new quarters etc.
At the same time, he urged the department to do its best in pursing fund allocations so as to ensure that the work was taken up expeditiously.
Earlier, in his introductory briefing additional commissioner of taxes, Y. Mhathung Murry disclosed that the department registered a total collection of Rs. 258 crore during (2012-13).
Murry also said the department’s annual growth has the combine annual growth rate for the last ten years at 18%.
He also said the department contributed 60% of the total state revenue, which was more than the combine contribution of the rest of the revenue departments in the state.
Murry also disclosed that the department has set an “ambitious” target to collect a minimum of Rs. 500 crore by the end of 2017.
He said the department would need concerted efforts by stake holders to achieve the ambitious target.
Murry said tax department was also “mentally prepared” to switchover to GST regiment as and when it was introduced in India.
Also, delivering a short speech, additional chief secretary and finance commissioner, Toshi Aier pointed out that the department has made “huge growth” in terms of percentage in the last four to five years.
Stating that Nagas have a “lopsided” view on taxation, Aier said that it was time for Nagas to march along with time and urged the department personnel to inculcate the habit and make the people realize their duties. Introductory meeting of taxes department was attended by officers and staffs from different parts of the state. A brief overview of the department was also presented by commissioner of taxes, Asangba Chuba Ao while vote of thanks was delivered by deputy commissioner of taxes, Kohima zone, Wochamo Odyou.
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