Jiribam, December 19 2008: With irregularities and excessive taxes imposed upon them, the taxation check post at Jiribam sub-division of Imphal East district has become something of a curse for many drivers passing along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway 53 .

During a survey conducted, it was found out that out of the nine employees assigned for duty, the Taxation office at Jiri is being looked after by only three employees, that also at their own sweet will.

The nine employees who have been assigned duty at the Taxation office of Jiri are A Surchandra (Inspector), Abdul Khalique (UDC), A Rajeshwar (LDC), M Rajen (LDC), M Manao Singh (LDC), Th Babu (Peon), Moses Pamei (Peon), Ramizuddin (Peon) and Inaocha (Peon).

However, with exception to Th Babu, Inaocha and Abdul Khalique, the rest of the employees have been taking their jobs for granted.

It was also learnt that the Inspector has never been seen at his office since his posting.

Inspite of all these irregularities, the taxation employees have been imposing huge taxes upon the vehicles, ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 500 in contrary to the required tax payment of Rs 10 to Rs 20 per vehicle.

Talking to this correspondent, a truck driver who did not want his identity to be disclosed, informed that due to heavy taxes imposed at the Taxation check post, drivers plying along the National Highway 53 have to go hungry most of the time as they have to spend more in meeting the tax demand than the stipulated amount of money given to them by their owners for the journey.

Another driver rued that besides the Taxation check post at Jiri, unwanted taxes are also being imposed upon them by various social organisations including student bodies all along the National highway.

The crestfallen driver confided that they have to oblige these tax demands as they have no other alternative but to pass through the National highway regardless of the hardships they have to face during the journey.

However, Abdul Khalique, the UDC in the Taxation Check post at Jiri asserted that due to collection of taxes at the Foreigners' check post and the main police check post of Jiri police, the drivers have the tendency to skip the Taxation check gate most of the time.

This is unfortunate, he said, adding "as we are not armed like police, the drivers defy our presence and the ultimate result is that we are not being able to collect the taxes from the vehicles as required.

"Thus, very often we face shortage of revenues to be send to our higher authorities,".

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