Threatens to shut shops, businesses if action not taken
Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) Tuesday expressed grave concern over the “illegal taxation” by various groups which it said, has risen so high especially after the emergence of Covid-19 pandemic.
DCCI through its media cell, has sought government’s immediate intervention to act upon the menace of illegal taxation and also warned that the failure on the part of the government to address the plight of the business community would compel the business community of Dimapur to take extreme measures including closure of all shops and business houses.
DCCI said that the alarming increase in ‘illegal taxation’ by various groups has crippled the entire business community in the state’s commercial hub. It said multiple illegal taxation imposed by various groups is multiple times- starting at train wagons to godowns and extends till the showroom or respective shops. DCCI also disclosed that in addition to colleting yearly taxation from each and every shop, “these groups have also started imposing taxes item-wise.”
Another new kind of harassment that has emerged was in the form of random checking and raids on godowns by various groups, it said.
DCCI alleged that some groups are going to the extent of imposing heavy penalties on godowns where damaged or expired goods are stored for claims.
DCCI explained that there were certain norms and procedures regarding damaged and expired items.
According to DCCI, traders have to store any expired items or damaged goods in godowns so as to provide evidence for refund for such goods from companies. DCCI said after completion of due process, such expired or damaged items were either returned to respective companies or eventually destroyed.
It said imposition of penalties on godown by any group of vigilantes where such items are stored was ‘flimsy’ and “uncalled for and unwarranted”
DCCI has asked the groups to advise the business community on where to store expired or damaged goods before involving due process of refund or disposal? It also pointed out that presently, prices of essential commodities and other goods were much cheaper in adjoining border towns like Lahorijan or Khatkhati or even Kohima or other towns in Nagaland than in Dimapur. According to DCCI this was “solely because the various groups have targeted Dimapur as their tax base and the multiple tier of taxation even on a single business outlet is confounding.”
DCCI also noted that the lukewarm attitude of the state government to this issue was “equally confounding”.
It also accused the government of being “still in deep slumber” despite numerous representations and reports in the local media over the plight of business community due to illegal taxation.
DCCI pointed out that the business community contribute a major chunk of revenue to the state government in the form of GST and so questioned the state government whether traders should pay taxes to the various groups or the state government? DCCI said that business community could no longer bear the brunt of multi-tier taxation, adding that the ball was now in the court of the state government to decide and act upon the menace of illegal taxation.
Appeal to allow shops to open on weekdays: DCCI has also requested the district administration to allow opening of all shops and business houses on all weekdays except Sundays. It said that in all other districts shops were allowed to open six days a week, but in Dimapur shops were allowed to open only four days a week.
Further, DCCI urged the Dimapur Municipal Council to do away with item-wise toll tax to ease the burden of traders and businessmen.
DCCI has also cautioned all the shops and business houses not to indulge in any kind of illegal or unfair trade practices. It warned that shops found practicing unfair trade practices would be penalized as per provision of the law.
Meanwhile, DCCI has reminded all shops and business houses to strictly adhere to Covid-19 SOPs.