From Our Correspondent
TURA, June 1: The FKJGP on Monday met Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) Deputy CEM Stevie M Marak to demand the strict enforcement of Trading by Non-Tribal (TNT) licences across the region, following numerous complaints against the council’s Taxation Department.
In a representation, the federation stated that irregularities within the department are adversely affecting the prospects of tribal traders, businessmen, and government contractors.
“There are allegations that many non-tribal traders and government-registered contractors are operating without TNT licences in many parts of Garo Hills. This is despite TNT being mandatory for any non-tribal to carry out trade or business under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution,” FKJGP president Pritam Arengh said.
Arengh further alleged that some non-tribal individuals are renewing TNT licences acquired in previous years, which reportedly violates existing guidelines. He clarified that a TNT licence should be issued on a one-time basis for a specific trade, business, or contract after an analysis of the specific rates involved.
“Local tribal youths must pay for fresh Professional Tax Clearance Certificates for each trade or contract yearly without the scope of renewal. Therefore, non-tribal firms should not have the privilege to renew licences randomly. Fresh applications should be submitted for each specific trade, and separate fees should be calculated and realised by the GHADC,” Arengh stated.
The federation has sought the immediate revocation of all TNT licences renewed without mentioning specific trade details or the contract amounts involved. It further urged the council to serve notices to such individuals to re-apply for fresh licences.
