DMC toll: Municipal body points finger at collectors

Moa Sangtam says government ‘at no point of time’ authorised contractors to charge more

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Oct. 16: In the face of a furious backlash from the business community of Dimapur as well as consumer groups following allegations that the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) was imposing ‘item tax’ at the entry gates, the DMC on Tuesday directed the blame towards the lessees—those contracted to collect tax at the entry gates.

The administrator of DMC, Moa Sangtam told reporters on Tuesday that the rate for collection of entry tax would remain as earlier. “The issue was created by the lessees. Government has not changed the rate of entry tax; the rates remain the same. At no point of time had the government authorised contractors to charge more than the prescribed rates,” he said.

Sangtam informed that a team comprising four DMC officials has been formed to monitor the collection of ‘urban fee’ on various items by lessees or contractors at all entry gates. “These officials shall visit each and every entry gate/collection point and conduct checking to ensure that collection is done as per the DMC’s prescribed rate,” the administrator stated, while adding that public should report to DMC if anyone is found charging above the prescribed rates.

Earlier, the DMC and the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) conducted a joint meeting at the office of the DMC’s administrator to discuss issues arising out of the hike in the rate of entry tax during which they passed two resolutions.

They agreed that the old rate of DMC for every item should be strictly adhered to and if lessees are found charging more than the existing rates, their contract would be cancelled. They have empowered the public action committee (PAC) of NCD to bring to the notice of the authority concerned about lessees who charge tax above the existing rates.

On Oct. 12, a traders group known as Hardware Merchants’ Association Dimapur District, had issued a statement alleging the DMC of charging exorbitant rate from transporters on movement of essential commodities. The association had claimed that after the introduction of the lease system since Oct. 1, an amount of INR 50 per MT was levied for transportation of Mild Steel Rod, instead of the earlier practise of charging per truck.

The association stated earlier the entry tax for six-wheeler transporting MS Rod was INR 350 and INR 450 for 12-wheeler. “However, since the toll tax (sic) was leased out, the toll tax collection has started with INR 50 per MT instead of per vehicle since October 1, 2018. With the lease system introduced by the Dimapur Municipal Council, the entry tax has increased to INR 3500 per vehicle for 12-wheeler of 70 MT.”