SHILLONG, APR 22: BJP Tura MDC Bernard N Marak on Wednesday alleged that “high and illegal taxes” were imposed on traders by the NPP-led former executive committees in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and urged the Chief Minister to intervene.

“Chief Minister should look into the imposition of high and illegal taxes on the traders by the NPP led former Executive Committees in GHADC,” Marak said.

He said the Taxation Department of GHADC had been collecting Trading for Non-Tribal (TNT) and Tribal Trading License (TTL) taxes at revised rates that lacked the Governor’s approval.

“The imposition of Trading for Non-Tribal and Tribal Trading License taxes by the Taxation Department of GHADC is unlawful due to the absence of Governor’s approval for the proposed new rates,” he said.

Marak alleged that the Executive Members who previously oversaw taxation enforced these unapproved rates on traders who submitted applications for TNT in GHADC.

“During a session, it was pointed out that the rates were pending approval, and the Executive Member at the time confirmed that they had been sent for approval. Consequently, the high rates imposed on traders are unjustified,” he said.

“To rectify this situation, I suggested that the Council should first obtain approval for the tax rates before proceeding with the imposition of taxes on traders,” Marak added.

“It is essential for traders to confirm the approved rates prior to making any payments to the Council treasury.”

He said the impact was not limited to non-tribal businesses. “Notably, tribal traders are also impacted by these unapproved taxes,” Marak said.

He added that he had submitted a letter to the Deputy CEM in charge of Taxation, who “assured to look into the matter.”