Nagaland Govt committed to curb unauthorised tax collection
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, July 08 2011:
In addition to the several preventive measures adopted recently on June 6 to curb unauthorised collection of money by public organisations and Govt agencies at various points/check gates on highways and national highways in Nagaland, the State Govt has added the following additional measures to be taken by the concerned department/agencies.
As per an official order issued by Nagaland chief secretary Lalthara, each department engaged in maintaining check gates will set up a vigilance team to check wayward activities by its personnel at these points.
Such departments shall identify the authority to which such cases may be reported upon for redress.
The order also said that all police check gates, except Inter State and Chumukedima near Dimapur, will be closed forthwith.
In the event that additional inter-district check gates are required, prior approval of the Govt must be obtained, it added.
It further informed all Municipal/Town Councils in the State to meticulously initiate proper streamlining of the prevailing municipal administration system like fixation and collection of taxes, fees, etc, under close supervision of Urban Development Department.
The PWD has been directed to come up with signs/contact numbers to be put up at the check points declaring these as 'no cash payment' gates in local dialect/English and Hindi.
The signboards are to be erected and placed in such a way that they are prominently readable from a distance in day and night, the order directed.
Further, the departments of Police, Forest, Taxation, Excise, etc, have been advised to make concerted efforts in manning check gates to prevent illegal flow of contraband items and criminal activities.
Reports of the activities should be furnished fortnightly, it directed.
The State Govt also warned that in the event any personnel is found collecting unauthorised money/cash/taxes at check gates, the district head of department will be held responsible and liable for disciplinary action.
Furthermore, individuals/organisations indulging in collecting any kind of money/cash/fees/taxes illegally will be firmly dealt with, it added.
The Deputy Commissioners in the districts have been asked to directly enforce this order in their respective jurisdictions while cautioning that any violation of this order by the Govt departments shall be brought to the notice of the Govt for necessary action forthwith.