Urban Devp Dept order for 41 ‘unauthorized’ lessees only

Lessees who were allotted contract work for collection of tolls and fees for the period starting from July 1, 2013 to March 3, 2014 has clarified that the Urban Development Department (UDD), Municipal Administrative Cell (MAC)’s cancellation order was directed to “41 unauthorized lessees” and not the ones who had been authorized to do the same.

In a rejoinder to statements issued by Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT), Naga Business Owners Association Dimapur District (NBOADD) and NVCO, Rhon Ovung on behalf of the 37 authorized lessees said this clarification has been issued to clear the general misconception that UDD has banned all collections of tolls and fees.

The rejoinder informed that the allotment of works to the 37 authorized persons were made as per the provisions of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 under Section 120(1) (c) and Section 175(1)(2)(3).

The state government in a notification dated October 26, 2012 had accorded sanction for the imposition of taxes, tolls and fees in exercise of the powers conferred by Sub-Section (8) of Section 121.

The Urban Development Department had issued the cancellation orders to the “41 unauthorized lessees” so that the person selected by the department could be given the work orders, said the lessees.

In this connection, UDD in a letter dated July 12, 2013 had sent a list of 37 authorized persons to Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC).

The lessees said DMC had been directed by UDD to enter into agreement with the 37 persons for collection of tools and fees.

Urban Development Department was only trying to “replace the lessees” to whom contract works have been allotted by Dimapur Municipal Council with the authorized and selected persons.