Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization (NVCO) has alleged that several groups including Nagaland Police still collect cash/illegal taxation at Highway check-gates in the State.
Terming the illegal activity as a “nuisance” that causes long queues, NVCO Media Cell claimed that its president Kezhokhoto Savi had a firsthand experience on April 19 at Phesama check-gate where several handyman/drivers were reportedly seen giving cash to policemen.
According to NVCO, upon confrontation by Savi on the illegality of the act, the police was stated to have defended the action saying police don’t collect tax but the drivers/handyman gives it to them.
In its press note, NVCO highlighted that it had submitted a representation with detailed information to the State Government in 2006 to stop illegal collection of cash on highways especially at the check-gates.
NVCO went on to point out the nexus between various entities that makes illegal taxation a thriving business and a lucrative earning opportunity even for policemen.
The lapse that exists between passing orders and implementation was another concern voiced by the NVCO.
Despite several deterrents like lifting up check-gates, issuing several orders, calling Chakka Jam, bandh and dismantling of check-gates in Kohima district, NVCO lamented that such actions haven’t been effective in addressing the issue and the illegal activity thrives throughout the State.
NVCO said it had on several occasion requested the State Government to effectively execute the 2009 order issued by the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland whereby it stated that no collection of cash will be allowed in the check-gates or in any part of the highway including any organization or individual, government departments such as Police, Excise, Forest and Taxes departments, etc.
The Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench had in 2014 dismissed 11 Writ Petitions and several unions/associations/federation including the Petroleum and Land Transport Workers Federation of India, Dimapur Land Transport Workers Union, Dimapur District Autoriskshaw Drivers’ Union, Dimapur Motor Workers Trade Union, Dimapur Auto Riskshaw Owners’ Union, Dimapur Truck Drivers’ Union, Dimapur Truck Owners’ Associations and The Motor Workers Association, Dimapur, were disallowed to collect cash on highways.
All these unions/associations were registered with the State government and their area of operation was within Dimapur mostly lying on national/state highways such as New Field Check Gate, Golaghat Road, Burma Camp, Dillai Gate, Old Khatkati Road, it stated. However, the Petroleum & Land Transport Workers Federation of India having a Pay-Counter at Jakhama village above Loyola Higher Secondary School, Jakhama lying on NH – 29 is collecting cash till date, NVCO claimed, adding that few Manipuri Truck Owner’s Pay-Counters exists on NH-29 in Southern Angami area maintained by the local people.
“Nagaland is a state mushrooming with illegal collections of cash by unions/associations/federations/police/public organizations/groups/government agencies at the check gates and on highways which contribute to price-rise in the state and Dimapur, the so called commercial hub of the state is considered to be the most affected place,” NVCO maintained.
In this regard, NVCO informed had submitted representation to the State government including almost all the DCs to implement and effectively enforce the 2014 Gauhati High Court order so as to completely remove the illegal activity at check-gates and on highways by Nagaland Police, unions, associations, federations, public organization, government departments and several groups throughout the state.
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