Illegal tax collection: ASSU demands closure of check gate in Karbi Anglong
FROM A CORRESPONDENT
Bokajan, May 30: At a time when Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal has cracked his whip on the flourishing illegal check gates in the state, the Karbi Anglong Entry Tax gates still continues to operate ubated under the very tutelage of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
AASU’s Karbi Anglong district unit led by Central Executive Member Bedanta Saikia and district secretary Tridip Bora drawing serious objection towards the unethical practice of collecting unwarranted tax in this toll gates, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the SDO(C), Bokajan here on Monday.
The memorandum drew attention of the Chief Minister towards the corrupt practices of collecting unwarranted tax from commercial vehicles plying on NH 39 and 36 based on the number of wheels of a vehicle amounting from Rs 50 to Rs 5000. The memorandum also stated a possible nexus between the KAAC authorities and the lesee of this gates; the affect of which is slapped on the neighbouring states of galand and Manipur thereby resulting in price rise of essential commodities.
While talking to The Sentinel, Bedanta Saikia, executive member of AASU said, “The KAAC Revenue Department awards lease to the 20 entry tax gates stationed in different entry and exit points within the district generates revenue amounting crores of rupees annually. The KAAC authorities have also fixed rates for different vehicles and commodities (live stock) entering into the district. The highest scheduled tax as per KAAC norms is Rs 10. But, surprisingly the settlement amount of Karbi Anglong Entry Tax Gate stationed at Garampani over NH 39 for the fincial year 2016-17 is Rs 1, 37, 00000 among others. As per reports, the average commercial vehicle entering into the district through this gate on a daily basis is 300. Now, what gives us an eye sore is the fact that if the highest scheduled tax is Rs 10 for an average 300 vehicles per day, the average annual tally would possibly be around Rs 11,00000; which doesn’t merge even 10 per cent of the settlement amount.”
It is also alleged that the truck drivers and their owners bore the brunt of this unethical practice facing all sorts of odds and harassment while entering the hills district. There is enough evidence that tax is levied upon the trucks based on the number of wheels. For instance, a 6 wheeler truck on entering the district is charged Rs 500 against the scheduled rate of Rs 10. A 10 wheeler is charged Rs 800 while a 12 wheeler pays Rs 1000 and so on.
