The government has constituted the committee bowing to numerous complaints from the public and civil societies against illegal and multiple taxations and recognising the need to tackle this menace in the society. The notification on constitution of the Committee was issued by Chief Secretary Banuo Z Jamir on August 5 but made available to the press only today.
The Committee comprise Justice HK Sema, retired Supreme Court Judge, as chairman, Joel Nilo Kath and KK Sema, IAS (retd) as members and Additional Chief Secretary, Justice and Law department, as member secretary.
According to the notification, the Committee will undertake a detailed study on price rise in the State due to illegal and unauthorised collection of money by various organisations, groups, unions and agencies including government agencies and study the adverse impact of the illegal collection in various forms on the resource mobilisation efforts of the State Government.
It will also inquire into the fact of prevalence or otherwise of illegal collections in various forms by various underground and overground groups and if such system exists in the State, particularly in Dimapur. If so, to identify the syndicate/dealership system and those persons involved or responsible for it, and to suggest preventive measures, the notification said.
Terms of reference: To enquire whether government agencies are involved in realisation of unauthorized taxes/collections and if so, to find out the agencies involved and the extent/amount of such unauthorised collections, and to suggest measures to eradicate such unwarranted practices; to enquire into the practices of collection of money from the highways, check gates, streets and market places by various groups/unions/societies in the form of membership fees, etc., from vehicles, goods and the services, etc., and suggest corrective measures; to suggest measures to ensure protection of business community/individuals from illegal and un-abated taxations and to suggest measures to streamline, improve and regulate collection of legal taxes.
The Committee will submit its findings and the recommendations within 90 days from the date of its constitution.
Justice HK Sema, chairman of the Committee, will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 1 lakh while the two members, KK Sema and Joel Nilo Kath will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 50,000 each, the notification said.
Meanwhile, the Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland has expressed happiness over the constitution of the high powered committee which is as per the demands of October 31 last public rally resolution. Though the notification came about almost a year late, the ACAUT Nagaland, nevertheless, said it is pleased that the Government of Nagaland has realised the seriousness of issues raised by it.