Many states abolished check posts just days after the government of India implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in July 2017, while others remained indifferent. This prompted the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to seek the status report of check post removal from 13 states last year. Interestingly, Nagaland government had been trying to do away with the menace of illegal cash collection by organisations, individuals and government departments at various check gates and national highways, much before the GST came into force but it failed for various reasons. This time, the government appears to mean business. It has directed the immediate closure and dismantling of all check gates set up by municipal and town councils, organisations, and government agencies within the state. The order also said that interstate check gates will function only till May 31 this year, after which the Home department has to approve for further operation if found necessary. While various district administrations have started monitoring the implementation of the order, the state police has also set up a 24-hour control room and provided dedicated contact points to allow citizens to report any incidents of illegal collection of money from anywhere in the state. This much-needed move could have been initiated earlier but it’s better late than never. It is a welcomed move that will lift a huge weight off the shoulders of traders, vehicle owners and public as well.
One of the main objectives of introducing GST is to facilitate seamless flow of goods across the country by getting rid of interstate check posts. It’s a known fact that goods-carrying vehicles spend a significant amount of time at check gates, be it waiting for clearance of documents or unloading and reloading of goods in the name of checking. No wonder the average annual distance a truck covers in India is lesser than in developed countries. The economic loss and environmental pollution caused by this avoidable delay is enormous. Besides that, check gates have become like cash cows for the corrupt and truck drivers have often complained of harassment. So, doing away with this hurdle will surely improve ease of doing business in the state as well as neighbouring states. However, the onus of its success lies with the citizens too. Dismantling of physical structures won’t help unless people join the fight against this menace. Turning a blind eye to illegal collection of money for “convenience” is nothing but indirectly supporting of such activities. In the meantime, the police should be prompt in attending to complaints or else the whole exercise will be rendered useless once the public loses faith in the enforcing agency. If effectively implemented, the closure of check gates will immensely help traders. This benefit should trickle down to the common people as well in the form of price reduction.