Small traders at receiving end, says UBA on tax hike
Source: The Sangai Express
Chandel, November 25 2022:
The Unique Business Association (UBA), Chandel has claimed that the decision taken by the Forest Department to increase the tax being levied on transportation of forest produce is taking a toll on small traders who sell firewoods to meet household expenses.
Reportedly, the Forest Department issued the order to increase the tax being levied on forest produce on November 10 last.
Addressing the media at Penaching Khul in Chandel today, UBA vice president Ng Jacob said that the tax taken on transportation of firewood has increased manifolds after the Government issued the order and the same is putting the small traders in difficult positions.
He urged the department concerned to reconsider their decision and fix different rates for transporting firewoods based on the weight of the content.
Ng Jacob also accused the District Forest Officer of Chandel of working for personal gain, claiming that the officer had collected huge sums of money from the people 'illegitimately'.
Continuing that they had even submitted a memorandum to the Government to change the DFO of Chandel earlier, he urged the State Government to understand the sentiment of the people and do the needful at the earliest.
The people of Chandel will launch different kinds of agitation if the DFO is not changed at the earliest, he added.