Mokokchung based social activist, Bendang Imsong has urged Nagaland Chief Minister to take action to address the illegal deductions from contractors and supplies that is “plaguing the general development” of the State.

In his open letter, Imsong presented a break up of the unofficial taxes that contractors and suppliers make, according to his 3-5 per cent is paid to the underground group, landowner tax is up to 5 per cent, Ministers/Advisors’ cut is 10 per cent, mobilization funds is 5 per cent and so on. “I deem these deductions illegal as there is already a tax system that is put in place i.e., The Goods and Service Tax (GST) which these Contractors and Suppliers are paying @18%”, he stated.

The social activist claimed that sometimes these deductions add up to 40-50 per cent forcing the contractors to cut corners and compromising on the quality of work to make ends meet.

Imsong pointed out that the effects of these deductions are also felt by the general public as most of the times it is the public works that are affected making people lose trust in our system. It is therefore not fair, and it goes against what we believe in about trade and how our government should work, he said.

Further, he suggested that the State adopts “the present Foot Hill Road method of no tips and deduction by Naga Political groups and also no deduction of state taxes for all developmental works. Land owners can be compensated as per the prescribed standards. Lastly, tax or collection can be done after the completion of work and once it starts generating revenue to the stakeholders.”

Imsong urged that “a system be put in place to make sure everything is fair and transparent in how deals are made between contractors, suppliers, and the government so that the people’s trust in the Government is regained.” He also stressed the importance of setting up a system where the public can fearlessly report any form of corruption.