Hengbung check-post likely to get permanent status
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 13 2014: The Hengbung taxation check-post which was set up on temporary basis is likely to be upgraded to the status of a permanent check-post.

The State Government already has a plan to set up a permanent taxation check-post along Imphal-Dimapur highway but it went for a temporary one until the permanent one could be materialised, said a well placed source.

According to the Government's plan, the taxation check-post should be opened at Taphou, Senapati district.

Setting up a permanent taxation check-post would entail acquisition of land from 16/17 land owners.

Considering the lengthy process of negotiation which would be required to convince the land owners and the resulting delay, it would be more convenient to upgrade the existing Hengbung taxation check-post to the status of a permanent one, said the source.

File pic of Hengbung check post

Upgradation of the temporary Hengbung check-post to the status of a permanent one would require around 11 acres of land.

At present, the temporary check-post occupies only eight acres.

As such, three more acres of land are still required to be acquired.

The existing area of eight acres is yet to be taken over by the Government.

Nonetheless, setting up of a permanent taxation check-post would be more convenient at Hengbung as compared to Taphou as the requisite 11 acres of land would be acquired from a single owner.

The Principal Secretary, the Taxation Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner (Taxation) went to Hengbung last Sunday and conducted a spot assessment.

On seeing the land already acquired and the existing infrastructure, the Government officials were of the opinion that setting up a permanent taxation check-post would be more convenient at Hengbung than at Taphou.

The official team is expected to recommend the State Government to set up a permanent taxation check-post at Hengbung.

Due process has been initiated to clear all misunderstandings that exist between the Government and the chief of Hengbung regarding the eight acres of land being occupied by the taxation check-post.

The temporary taxation check-post of Hengbung was opened in December 2010.However, certain things are still unclear about the area and building currently occupied by the check-post.

This subsequently led the land owner to file a suit in the Court.

For acquisition of necessary land for a permanent taxation check-post, Rs 1.5 crore has already been deposited in the account of Taxation Department.

The Revenue Department was also earlier noticed to issue due notification for land acquisition, informed the source.