Continuing their campaign against illegal taxation in the state, Civil Rights Crusader’s team led by Kezhokhoto Savi, president Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization (NVCO) on August 16 met with the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police, Mokokchung at the DC’s chamber and submitted a representation titled – “NVCO’s representation against illegal taxation, price-rise in goods and service charges in the state” to the DC along with a copy served to SP and all civil societies.
Among others, issues deliberated at the meeting include taxation at check-gates by police personnel and others and toll tax collected by municipal and town council.
In a release issued by NVCO president Kezhokhoto Savi said that the civil rights team argued that the money collected from vehicles on the highways were never spent for road maintenance where as toll tax meant it had to provide corresponding services to the payers.
SP, Mokokchung responded that whenever any police personnel on check-gate duty were caught and questioned on charges of illegal collection of cash, they maintained that they never asked for any money but driver (s) themselves simply handed cash amount to them.
Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization president Savi countered that the practice/trick has been that no vehicle especially commercial vehicle were allowed to cross the check-gate unless and until a stipulated amount of cash Rs.20 to Rs.100 was brought or deposited to them.
He also stated that police allowed vehicles to pass or lift up the check post barrier only after the tax amount was paid or deposited.
During the meeting, DC Mokokchung expressed appreciation to Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization for the commendable services they were rendering to public and fighting for public welfare while pointing out that illegal taxation affected every citizen and did not spare even the district administration office.
Both DC and SP gave their commitment to remove/stop such illegal conduct in the district including that of police accepting cash at the check-gates and other pay-counters attached to check-gates. The team also held a meeting with Mokokchung civil societies led by Ao Senden the same day.
The team highlighted the various forms of illegal taxation in the state and appealed the civil societies to come out openly to confront the illegal conduct of taxation or deduction of certain percentage from public fund/contractor’s bill by way of ‘commission’ in the state and in their own district.
Representatives from civil societies during the meeting while voicing out their angst against illegal taxations vowed to fight against the same.
Watsu Mundgang, apex women organization of the Ao’s also expressed concern on effective implementation of the recent ordinance –the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013.
A civil rights awareness campaign was also conducted on August 17 at Fazl Ali College. Resource person which include Kezhokhoto Savi, Supongwati Walling, vinitoli Achumi, Reopi Sangtam, Sashimongla Jamir and Rebonthung Tsanglao deliberated on the topic; legal services authority-free legal aid to the poor, lok adalat, consumer rights, free and fair election in a democratic state, medical negligence and consumer helpline with toll free No.1800-345-3701, child and women rights, domestic violence illegal taxation in the state, right to food etc.
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