IMC to hike plot tax, women vendors not amused
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 30 2011:
Imphal Municipal Council (IMC) has decided to hike the monthly tax chargeable from women vendors in the three markets of Khwairamband Bazar from next year.
On the other hand, the women vendors have decided not to comply with the hike until and unless IMC gives a written assurance to release the monthly wages of the workers engaged for keeping the three markets neat and clean.
According to a source in the IMC, each of the women vendors in the three markets of Khwairamband Bazar is currently paying Rs 15 as monthly tax to IMC.
But this amount is too little and out of tune with the changing time.
So, taking into consideration of the facilities being provided, IMC has decided to hike the monthly tax by Rs 80, thus each of the women vendors have to pay Rs 95 per month from next year.
The decision of IMC, however, has not gone down well with the women vendors.
Talking to Hueiyen Lanpao, Th Shanti, a leader of the Khwairamband Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Lup Amasung Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Shinpham Amadi Shaktam Kanba Lup pointed out that in spite of an earlier agreement that the sweepers and other workers engaged for keeping the three markets of Khwairamband Bazar neat and clean would be given Rs 5000 as monthly wages, IMC has not complied with the agreement so far.
So, until and unless, the government gives a written assurance on releasing the monthly wages of the workers regularly, none of the women vendors would pay the proposed increased amount of the tax.
It is unethical on the part of IMC to deny wages to these workers, she asserted.
Furthermore, Shanti pointed out that IMC may be talking about the facilities being provided in the three markets of Khwairamband Bazar, but it has not taken care of replacing the fused bulbs.
The ceiling fans being provided too have never been used by the women vendors.
A definite decision over the matter would be taken after a meeting with the Chief Minister very soon, Shanti added.