BJP Meghalaya Pradesh threatens legal action over move

The BJP Meghalaya Pradesh has strongly opposed the introduction of Central Bonded Warehouse (CBW) in the State.
BJP Meghalaya Pradesh threatens legal action over move

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The BJP Meghalaya Pradesh has strongly opposed the introduction of Central Bonded Warehouse (CBW) in the State.

"Centralising the bonded warehouse is not going to benefit the 44 bond owners in Meghalaya. However, the move will greatly benefit only four owners who will control the entire system of supply," said Ernest Mawrie, president of Meghalaya Pradesh BJP.

He added that that the CBW was abolished in Rajasthan when the BJP government found that only a few were benefiting out of it. "The CBW is often controlled by some individuals who make the maximum profit for their political bosses which ultimately leads to the mafia system of functioning. "The BJP does not want Meghalaya to become a mafia-ruled State as it is turning into one with scams erupting right from the Councils, coal, electricity bills etc. And now, the Central Bonded Warehouse move will pave the path for more corruption in the State," added Mawrie. Stating that the CBW was also abolished in UP due to similar reasons like Rajasthan, Mawrie posed, "So, why is Meghalaya interested to follow the controversial centralisation of bonded warehouse? The BJP strongly opposes this decision; and we will go to any end to counter this decision of the Conrad-led Government in introducing CBW."

The BJP leader warned, "Legal proceedings will be brought against the officials involved in the move to introduce CBW in the State. It is not the mandate of the public. A few corrupt leaders and officials want to turn Meghalaya into a 'mafia-orun society'."

Agencies report that the Meghalaya government had decided to introduce 'Central Bonded Warehouse' to increase revenue collection from one source and reduce leakage in revenue and also plug loopholes in teh system. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated in October that the Cabinet had approved the addition of new Rule 44 and Rule 4(1) of the Meghalaya Bonded Warehouses Rules.

A bonded warehouse, or bond, is a building or other secured area in which dutiable goods may be stored, manipulated, or undergo manufacturing operations without payment of duty. It may be managed by the State or by private enterprise. In the latter case a customs bond must be posted with the government. Like a standard warehouse, bonded warehouses let businesses store their goods closer to foreign customers for faster delivery, with the advantage of pushing out the payment of custom duties until the goods are released from the bonded warehouse. They are used for storing imported or exported goods.

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