\While expressing empathy with the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) over the harassment faced by the business community due to multiple taxation, GB Union Dimapur (Sadar) has also emphasised that the proposed indefinite shutter down or bandh should only be the last resort considering the inconvenience to the public.
Stating this through a communiqué, GBUD (S) president W Kholie Kapfo and general secretary T Onen Jamir clarified that the Union was not averse to supporting any extreme step if the menace of unabated multiple taxation did not cease in heeding the distressed voice of the people’s suffering.
The Union expressed concerned over multiple taxation on all commodities which are heavily burdening the general public due to exorbitant rise in prices. The signatories pointed out that though multiple tax was primarily being extracted from the traders, in the end it was the common people who have to bear the brunt as consumers.
They reminded the Nag political groups (NPGs) that though the movement was supposed to be people-centric, they ought to listen to the cry of their people who are in great despair.
In line with the resolve of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), the Union also reaffirmed the Dimapur public resolution, “One government, one tax” adopted on October 31, 2013.
At the same time, the duo also cautioned business establishments not to create an artificial price rise scenario by taking undue advantage of the already aggravated situation and putting the public in dire condition. They appealed to the state government machineries do deal sternly with unscrupulous traders indulging in unfair business practices, such as – tampering of price tags, dealing with inferior quality items sold at higher price, etc.
In order to curb anti-social elements and multiple taxation saga, GBUD (S) has called for curtailing individuals/organisations indulging in unauthorised collections in the guise of committees, since this was adding to the burden of the business community and affecting the society in the form of indirect price escalation.
Further, drawing attention on the directive of the district administration, they cautioned use of GB seal and letter pad by those who were not officially appointed by the government and having no registration number, GBUD(S) cautioned that such unauthorised activities by individuals would be reported to the administration for necessary action.
The signatories also asked GB members to submit photo copies of appointment orders and membership fee for 2024 latest by April this year and that no GB who was not enrolled as a member in the GBUD(S) would be entitled to participate in the union’s activities.