By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 13: Following the closure of a check post in Umdihar, Ri-Bhoi, which was found illegally collecting tax from vehicles of non-tribals, the KHADC has warned that it will not hesitate to shut down any toll gate that is found indulging in illegal tax collection.
“We have already issued show-cause notices to the lessee of the toll gates against which we have received complaints. The show-cause notice was even issued to the lessee of the toll gate which was closed by the district administration of Ri-Bhoi,” KHADC CEM Pyniaid Sing Syiem told reporters on Wednesday.
According to him, these toll gates have been operating since the tenure of the previous Executive Committee of the KHADC.
It may be mentioned that the district administration had shut down the check gate at Umdihar, allegedly operated by the KHADC, following complaints by truckers that the gate was illegally collecting money from trucks entering the state from outside.
The CEM added that they have directed all the lessees who have been issued show-cause notices to reply within two weeks. “We will decide on the action which needs to be taken after we receive their replies. But I want to assure that we will not hesitate to take some stringent action if needed,” KHADC CEM said. Syiem also clarified that these toll gates have been set up as per the provisions laid down in the Sixth Schedule. He further stated that if there are any discrepancies, the Council is ready to take corrective measures.
Meanwhile, the CEM admitted that the toll gates that are operational belong to the KHADC. He opined that it is wrong to say that the respective local MDCs decide on setting up of toll gates.
Earlier, Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA), Moskalander Marngar, had claimed that setting up of toll gates depends on the individual MDC of the respective constituency.