The Public Action Committee (PAC) under Naga Council Dimapur has revealed some startling facts on how various departments who have set up check gates have been abusing their authority to collect money from goods laden trucks.
As per reports, at New Field check gate volunteers came across an underage boy collecting tax on head count of live animals supposed to be done by a veterinarian assistant. Several mini trucks laden with poultry also passed by without the mandatory health check. It appeared that the veterinary department had outsourced collections to some group whether on auction or proxy for some staff.
The Forest department also collects its own ‘royalty’ tax on similar items from every truck passing through check gates. One questionable aspect is that the amount mentioned in the challans were not reflective of the actual amount collected.
ACAUT convenor Tia Longchar pointed out that the departments levied tax on granite and marbles from Rajasthan on which the buyer(s) had paid GST. Geology and Mining charged different rates as ‘royalty’ for various items such as sandstone, limestone, marble, granite, chips etc.
“The volunteers found out that some trucks had entered the gate by 3.30 am which is against traffic regulations,” the PAC alleged. It warned that if any commercial trucks were found entering the gate before 5 am, and if anything happens, they would not be held responsible;and informed that the traffic police should release the vehicles as per the prescribed timing.
PAC convener Vekhosayi Nyekha revealed that even those authorised to collect fee/tax like DMC illegally overcharged by 50% to 100%.
The check gate at Burma Camp saw little action as police manning it allowed vehicles to pass before PAC volunteers arrived. At Dillai check gate there was not much traffic since many trucks had stayed off roads.
At Chümoukedima check gate, Chakhro Public Organisation (CPO) decided to conduct check at a later date.
Nyekha said the PAC or its volunteers had neither committed any unlawful activities nor allowed any vehicle to stop and pay money. (Various Sources)