'Untaxed' Moreh merchandise flood markets
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 22 2018:
Even though it was reported that the State's revenue collection had improved considerably following introduction of GST in place of multi-layered tax systems, all types of merchandise imported from Myanmar without paying any official tax have flooded many markets of the State.
Huge quantities of merchandise manufactured in Myanmar and other foreign countries are imported to the State every day through Moreh without paying any official tax.
These merchandises, popularly known as Moreh merchandise have flooded not only Imphal but also many major markets of the State thereby posing a serious setback to traders who have been paying tax regularly.
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It is said that 400 to 500 loaded vehicles reach Imphal from Moreh every day and it is the duty of Imphal, Moreh and Pallel offices of Customs Preventive Division so see that taxes are paid for the merchandise imported through Moreh and the imported goods do not include any contraband item.
It is not clear whether the Customs levy tax on goods imported through Moreh, said a source adding that levying tax even at the minimal rate upon goods imported through Moreh would greatly boost the State's annual revenue collection.
All types of commodities starting from onions, garlic to TV sets, ACs, fans, water pumps and blankets and mobile phones, plastic chairs, tables, wooden doors, windows etc are imported every day through Moreh.
Cement manufactured in Myanmar and other foreign countries which are much cheaper as compared to cement manufactured in India has found their way to Manipur through Moreh.
Moreh merchandise have already flooded Paona Keithel, Kakching, Moirang, Churachandpur, Singjamei and many other major markets of the State.
As the Moreh merchandise are comparatively cheaper, majority of the people prefer them to goods manufactured in India and brought to the State after paying due tax.
On the other hand, there is a growing need to check if the mushrooming stone crushing units and brick fields are paying any tax to the Government, said the source, further asking if the sand brought from Dimapur should not be taxed.