NOCs issued only when ‘tips’ are paid, claims local taxi body
SHILLONG: East Khasi Hills Local Taxi Welfare Association (EKHLTWA) on Monday accused the staff of the Sales Tax office of indulging in rampant corruption and intentionally delaying issue of no objection certificates (NOCs) to applicants unless they are ‘tipped’.
Speaking to media persons in the city on Monday, EKHLTWA president Wandonbok Jyrwa pointed out that the ongoing practice in the Sales Tax office was causing tremendous hardship to the cabbies who approach the office for NOC as per the rules and procedures.
Citing a particular case, Jyrwa alleged that the Sales Tax officials had not issued the NOC despite the fees being paid over a year back.
On most occasions, the Sales Tax staffs deny the NOC claiming that the concerned files had gone missing, Jyrwa claimed.
Jyrwa, however, informed that the association engaged some people to approach the Sales Tax staff and offer them tips to get the job done and the NOC was processed within two days’ time.
Commercial vehicles owners are required to obtain NOC from the Sales Tax office after payment of challan of Rs.2076 for renewal or applying for fresh permit from the State Transport Authority.
Jyrwa stated that attitude of the staff of the Sales Tax office combined with the heavy fines realized by the Traffic Police department was affecting the vehicle owners as well as the local taxi drivers and demanded an end to the same.