SHILLONG: The National People’s Party, Shillong city has accused Meghalaya government of illegally collecting and raising taxes within the municipal area of Shillong by using Meghalaya Municipal Act, 1973.
Talking to newsmen here on Monday, NPP Shillong city, spokesperson, Erwin K Syiem Sutnga , alleged that the imposition of holding tax by the Shillong Municipal Board in tribal areas of the city including constituencies such as Pynthorumkhrah , East Shillong, North Shillong, West Shillong, South Shillong , Nongthymmai and parts of Nongkrem was totally illegal.
“Land belongs to the tribal people and so the holding tax cannot be imposed and it has to be abolished,” he said while claiming that the Shillong Municipal Board can only charge for sanitary services, water and street lights.
According to Sutnga, people are also affected due to the raise in the tax and termed the hike as illegal, saying the elections to the Municipal Board have not been conducted for a long time.
“In this regard, the Meghalaya government has inappropriately amended the Meghalaya Municipal Act 1973 to allow raising of taxes,” he said.
The party leader also slammed the Chief Minister Mukul Sangma saying the state government is bankrupt in ideas. He said Shillong Municipal Board could get sufficient funds from the Union Government especially under Swachh Bharat Mission.
