Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Prachanda elected Nepal’s Prime Minister ( 9 )
AAP targeting my family, alleges sacked Delhi minister ( 5 )
Vol XXVI No. 237
DIMAPUR thursday, august 4, 2016
India inches towards 1 nation, 1 tax
request that remained. “Today we may not put the rate in the Constitutional amendment bill but we will have to put it in the central bill,” said P. Chidambaram, former Finance Minister and the main speaker for the Congress during the debate. “The empowered committee is the one which arrived at a 15.5% revenue neutral rate and came to the conclusion that 18% should be the appropriate GST rate. The Congress did not suggest the 18% rate -18% came out of your report,” he said in the Rajya Sabha. His reference was to the committee currently chaired by West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra. “If we charge 24-26%, it will defeat the very purpose of GST. Services represent 57% of India’s GDP. It will be hugely inflationary. It’ll lead to evasion,” he said. “Take the case of soft drinks, whether a rich man buys it or poor man buys it, the tax is the same.” Jaitley said since the rate is scheduled to be decided by the GST Council, which will have the representation of all states and the central government, this matter should be left to it. “We must trust the responsibility of states towards the people,” he said. Even though the idea of a pan-India GST was first mooted in 2003, it was seven years later that a formal bill was first introduced. But this lapsed when the UPA was voted out and Prime Minister Narendra Modi government took over.
1 year on Centre tight-lipped on Naga solution
Pages 12 ` 4.00
NSF rally to demand repeal of AFSPA Correspondent
sultative meeting was held on July 25. At that meeting, it was decided to come up with an action plan comprising of NSF, NPMHR, Naga Hoho and NMA. The meeting also endorsed Angami Students’ Union (ASU) to meet the lawyer of AR and resolve the issue. Since 1958, Kithan said Nagas have been facing untold suffering under AFSPA. He said the security forces who were supposed to be protecting the citizens were not sparing even the innocent students, adding that now student leaders have been targeted. According to NSF president, on August 11 the rally would be simultaneously held in all the headquarters of its federating units and sub-ordinate bodies in collaboration with the tribal Hohos and mother associations. Kithan said a memorandum would be submitted to the chief minister after the rally. Naga Hoho general secretary Mutsikhoyo Yhobu said NH extended its full support to the NSF and the ongoing agitation and the proposed rally. He said the AR show cause notice demanding unconditional apology was an insult to the Nagas. Questioning how long will the government of India continue to impose such draconian law in Naga areas, Yhobu said “when a peace talk has been on, another draconian law has been implemented at the same time, what kind of peace dialogue is this, we don’t understand”. Also, extending solidarity to NSF, the Naga Mothers
Association (NMA) advisor, Rosemary Dzuvichu, said the Assam Rifles forgot that when an inquiry commission was set up and inquiry was still on, no legal notice should be served to anyone. She said the legal notice was highly objectionable. Dzuvichu said the NMA and Pochury Mothers Association (PMA) in September 2015 filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court concerning July 16, 2015 Wuzu firing incident. She said SC had then directed Gauhati High Court Kohima bench to dispose the case on time. However, Dzuvichu said the issue remained with the inquiry commission, which was yet to submit its report. “We are really unhappy with the inquiry commission”, she said and questioned the state government for constituting “only one man inquiry commission” and the reason for the delay. Dzuvichu said NMA would reach out the Eastern Women organizations and the mothers association in Manipur as well. When asked about a joint effort in demanding repeal of AFSPA with the other states where AFSPA has been imposed, NPMHR Kenneth Mao said Nagas have soft corner for those states where AFSPA has been imposed. He said NPMHR would convey to its counterpart in Manpiur, Arunanchal Pradesh or Jammu and Kashmir to work together. Meanwhile, NSF has convened a consultative meeting with Naga Hoho, NPMHR and NMA on August 5 at 11a.m. at Hotel Japfu.
N ew D elhi , Au g 3 (IANS): India moved a major step closer towards a unified goods and services tax regime across the country, with the Rajya Sabha passing the relevant Constitution amendment bill on Wednesday, in what is seen as the most radical indirect tax reform since independence. Hailed as the biggest tax reform since independence, the one-nation-one-tax regime will convert 29 states into a single market. The GST will be implemented from April 1, 2017. It is expected to add 2 percentage points to India’s GDP, according to economists. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Second Amendment) Bill, 2014 and amendments were first declared approved by a voice vote. Following a division called by Deputy Chairperson P.J. Kurien and electronic voting, it was declared approved by a two-thirds majority. While the AIADMK had walked out earlier, 203 members present voted in favour of the main bill. The bill will now go again to the Lok Sabha for its nod since the government had moved some amendments to get political parties, notably the Congress, on board. The passage on Wednesday was preceded by some heated debate, with the opposition demanding that subsequent bills on the subject be brought as financial bills, as opposed to money bills, so that the upper house gets a chance
to debate and vote on them. The government only assured that it will follow the spirit of the Constitution in this regard. The new regime -the idea for which was mooted some 13 years ago -- seeks to subsume all central indirect levies like excise duty, countervailing duty and service tax, as also state taxes such as value added tax, entry tax and luxury tax, to create a single, pan-India market. Some items, notably potable alcohol and petroleum products, will be outside its purview for now. “This is one of the most significant tax reforms in India’s history. It was, therefore, important for building a political consensus to the extent possible,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, as he initiated the debate on the bill. “The enactment of the GST Bill will bring about the best economic management of the country as it will empower the states and increase revenue of states and the central government. It will give a boost to the economy at this critical stage,” he added. Following the passage by the Lok Sabha, at least 50 percent of the states will have to ratify it for it to become law. This apart, while the Centre will have to take Parliament’s nod again for its version of the GST, states too will need to do the same, which may not be a quick process. To reach a compromise, the government had to concede to two main demands of the Congress -- scrap
4 NCS officers inducted into IAS
NTC demands ILP throughout Nagaland Pathak appointed as ‘Magisterial inquest’ over custodial death
DIMAPUR, AUG 3 (NPN): The President of India has appointed four members of the State Civil Service of Nagaland to the India Administrative Service against the vacancies determined by the Government of India for the select list of 2015 on probation until further orders and to allocate them to the Nagaland cadre. According to a notification issued by the under secretary to the government of India, Pankaj Gangwar, the select list of 2015 (against vacancies arisen between January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015) includes Asenla Keitzar, A.Chumremo Odyuo, Lengkhongam Limsong and Senti Ao.
SETAN to launch stir KOHIMA, AUG 3 (NPN): Special Education Teachers’ Association of Nagaland (SETAN) will stage agitation at directorate of school education on August 5 against the alleged failure of the state government to respond its memorandum submitted on July 12 and against the termination order of 360 Special Education Teachers issued by the department. In a press release, SETAN president, T.S Hongwang Konyak, has informed all the special education teachers to reach the department of school education by 9am as per the resolution of the general meeting. Further, SETAN cautioned that absentees would be dealt with as per the resolution of the house.
This is it!
“Sir, all previous ministers have finished this department- backdoor appointments and supply orders.” K Y M C
What may cost less
Prices of cars, their batteries, paints and cements may fall. Electronic items like fans, refrigerators, water coolers, air coolers also likely to witness dip in their prices.
What may cost more
Services like eating out, products like cigarettes, mobile phones and branded jewellery to see an increase in their prices. Air travel also to be costlier.
Key takeaways
- The GST once implemented will do away with the cascading tax effects. It will also make the ‘tax procedure’ simpler for the manufacturers. -The issue of tax evasion has been plaguing the economy and hampering economic reforms. GST will help lessen the occurrence of tax evasions. -Industry players believe if implemented fully the GST will open the gates of foreign investments for Indian Economy as it will facilitate ease of doing business in country. the proposal to levy a 1 per cent additional duty so that states get compensated for at least two years and make the dispute resolution mechanism stronger and empowered. But the third demand -- of specifying the GST rate in the bill itself was not acceded. The Congress party, nonetheless, said this was a
DIMAPUR, AUG 3 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has appealed to the state government for extension of Bengal Eastern Regulation Act (BERA) of 1873 to cover the entire administrative jurisdiction of Nagaland, saying that partial enforcement negated the objectivity of the protective laws of the land. In a memorandum addressed to the state chief minister, the NTC president Lendinoktang Ao and general secretary Nribemo Ngullie said when Statehood was given to Nagaland, special constitutional provisions were incorporated in Art 371(A) of the Constitution of India. In addition, NTC said Nagaland was equipped with BERA 1873 also called Inner line Permit (ILP). It said the purpose of providing those special provisions was to insulate Nagaland and its indigenous inhabitants from undue exploitations and possible suppression by outsiders. Pointing out that ILP has been partially enforced in the state of Nagaland leaving Dimapur district uncovered, the NTC said de-reservation of Dimapur area has become the anti-thesis of the policy of reservation. “In fact, Dimapur has become the buffer zone for the massive migration of illegal immigrants besides being the launching ground for their exploitive activities against the interest of the indig-
enous Nagas of Nagaland,” stated NTC. Further, the council asserted that immense concentration of lakhs of people in a tiny state like Nagaland from outside and particularly those of the illegal immigrants has posed serious threats to the economy, the faith, the culture and tradition, the politics and to the very existence of the indigenous people of Nagaland. At this rate, NTC said the indigenous Nagas of Nagaland would become secondary citizens and servants to the floating population in all respect sooner than expected. Unless the government woke up to the clarion call that there was no alternative to self-defence, NTC said it was going to be too late. Also, the NTC reminded the state government that when the government of Assam intensified its NRC process and streamlining of its citizenship, Nagaland was “unarguably the soft target.” It explained that when the Assam flashes out the rejected population, the easiest and most convenient haven was Nagaland. In the light of the above, the NTC has demanded the revocation of the dereservation of Dimapur area and place it on a par with the rest of other areas for uniform enforcement of ILP and all other protective provisions kept in the Constitution of India without delay.
Spl. Correspondent/Agencies
N E W D E L H I , AU G 3 (NPN): Even after completing one year after signing of the ‘framework agreement’ between Government of India and NSCN (I-M) on August 3, 2015, the government continues to remain tight lipped on the contents. However, in an exclusive interview with Nagaland Post in July last, Centre’s interlocutor for Naga talks, R.N. Ravi had categorically stated that during the series of consultations with various stake holders, he had made clear that the framework agreement was “not the final settlement”. He further said that the final agreement would be published as and when reachd. The gover nment on Wednesday said in Parliament that the Naga peace talks are “in progress”. “Subsequent to the framework signed on August 3, 2015, details are being worked out. Consultations with all the stakeholders and the state governments involved will be held before reaching the final agreement,” union minister of state for Home Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha. In a separate reply, the minister responded with a “yes” when asked whether NSCN (K) is “behested” by neighbouring countries. (Cont’d on p-7)
KOHIMA, AUG 3 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), which launched a three-day phase-I agitation on Wednesday against the imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Disturbed Areas Act (DAA), has extended the agitation till August 11 and hold a mass rally in Kohima on that day. The proposed rally would be spearheaded by NSF and supported by Naga Hoho, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA). In this regard, the NSF has informed its federating units and sub-ordinate bodies to strictly adhere to the call till August 11. As part of phase-I agitation, NSF had directed all its federating and sub-ordinate units to display/wear black badges in all the educational institutions in Naga inhabited areas from August 3-5, 2016. Addressing media persons at NSF office here on Wednesday, the federation’s president Subenthung Kithan said as per the decision of the action plan committee, the phase-I agitation ended well. He said though agitation was proposed to end on August 5, the committee has however decided to extend till August 11. Taking strong note of the alleged threat received by Pochury Students Union (PSU) president through phone calls and text messages besides legal notice from the Assam Rifles, the NSF president said a con-
new CFMG chairman
Staff Reporter
NEW DELHI, AUG 3 (AGENCIES): Former Director General of BSF D K Pathak was on Wednesday appointed as the new chairman of the Cease-Fire Monitoring Group (CMG), D K Pathak (File) created in 2001 to formalise a permanent peace with Naga rebels. Pathak, a 1979-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, retired as the Border Security Force Director General in February 2016. An order issued by the Union Home Ministry said the appointment will be for a year, from the date Pathak takes charge, adding he will “monitor the implementation of the agreed ground rules during the operation of ceasefire with NSCN (I-M), GPRN/ NSCN and NSCN (R) in Nagaland.” The post was being held by Lt Gen (retd) N K Singh and his tenure came to an end on June 30. This is the first time a police officer has been appointed to the post as all past chairmen have been army officers. Pathak will report to the Home Ministry and will coordinate with the army, paramilitary setup operating in Nagaland along with state government authorities including the police.
DIMAPUR, AUG 3 (NPN): A non-Naga identified as one Ramesh Kumar Yadav (38), permanent resident of Bihar and presently residing at Burma Camp, Nagagoan, Dimapur has died while in police custody at East Police Station, Dimapur. In this connection, Commissioner of Police Dimapur Liremo Lotha has informed that a “magisterial inquest” has been ordered. According to Liremo, the deceased along with three nonNagas were arrested in connection with arms and drugs peddling from Burma Camp on Wednesday at around 1 a.m and later one of them was found dead inside the cell at around 4:30 am to 5 am. After the recovery of the body, Liremo said that police along with designated magistrate took the body to district hospital Dimapur for post mortem. When asked whether the deceased was an autorickshaw driver, the commissioner said that it was “pre-mature” as police are investigating the case.
When contacted police sources divulged that the deceased along with the accomplices were under surveillance for drugs and arms smuggling. Police sources said the deceased along with two others were arrested on Wednesday while one (brother of the deceased) was absconding. Another police source said the modus-operandi was the brother of the deceased would travel to Bihar and smuggle huge consignment of drugs to Dimapur and exchanged it for live ammunition. The ammunition or arms were then smuggled outside the state, said Police sources. Police source also said that during initial interrogation, the arrested persons admitted that they were “substance abusers”. Police also said that .22 pistol along with 20 round of ammunition and 100 tablets of nitrosun was seized during their arrest. General Auto Drivers (GAD) union Dimapur demanded “termination” of the investigation officer of East Police station from the service
after one of its member was found dead in police custody. GAD said that the deceased Ramesh Yadav was one of its members with “Id no. 024”. The union also warned that it would resort to “chakka bandh” if its demand was not met. D DA D U : D i m a p u r District Auto Drivers Union (DDADU) has vehemently condemned the custodial death of an auto driver, Ramesh Kumar Yadav, who was picked up by Dimapur Police on Tuesday night. “It is understood that police can arrest people for criminal activities and subject to thorough interrogation but not to such an extent of torture that someone dies in their custody”, said DDADU president, K. Hokaito Zhimomi in a press statement. Further, the union demanded inquiry into the whole incident, which led to the death of Ramesh, and also that the responsible persons/ police officer be suspended for his “brutal act”. DDADU also demanded that the police give adequate compensation to the kin of the victim and deliver justice at the earliest.
Fuel adulteration kingpin linked to liquor adulteration Recommendations on rationalisation DIMAPUR, aug 3 (NPN): Acting on a tip-off, Kohima Police led by SDPO (South) on August 2, conducted intensive checking to intercept an oil tanker proceeding to Kohima along with a CRPF convoy. According to SDPO (South) & PRO Atu Zumvu NPS, the 12- wheeler oil tanker bearing registration number WB-23-5019 with fully loaded solvent chemical( composition of paint thinner and turpentine) was stopped as it reached Peducha check gate and then taken to Sechü(Z) police station at 11 a.m. On questioning, the driver of the tanker–Surendra Sahni (49 years) confessed that the chemical (used for adulterating liquor) came from Rudrapur Deoria (UP) on July 11,2016 and reached Khatkhati (Karbi Anglong) on July 18 where the chemical was delivered at a Khatkhatibased liquor factory (distillery). PRO said while awaiting other consignments for the return trip, one “Munna Prasad Kesari” from Dimapur approached Sahni on August 2
The two accused along with the seized truck
afternoon, with offer for transporting the chemical solvent from Khatkhati to Imphal at Rs.2 per litre. After the deal was struck, 20,000 litres of the chemical solvent was loaded
after the approval of Mahesh Mahato the tanker owner at Kolkata. All those travelling in the tanker- owner of the consignment Munna Prasad
Kesari(45), driver Surendar Sahani were nabbed. Munna Prasad Sahani confessed that since the past five years, he was working under Ajay Prasad Chetri , the kingpin of fuel adulteration racket recently busted in Dimapur and who was the actual owner of the chemical solvent. Sahani said the chemical was earlier held up at Srirampur gate since June 2016 owing to the massive public outcry over the fuel adulteration racket in Dimapur. The chemical reached Khatkhati only on July 31, 2016 said Sahani. After engaging the tanker from UP and after preparing fictitious invoice in the name of ESSAR OIL LTD. on Dimapur, the tanker proceeded to Imphal with CRPF convoy till it was intercepted at Peducha. PRO said a case has been registered under Sechü(Zubza) P.S. and under relevant sections of Petroleum Act against Surender Sahani (driver) and Munna Prasad Kesari (employee of Ajay Prasad Chetri) for further investigation.
of CSSs approved by union cabinet
Spl. Correspondent
NEW DELHI, AUG 3 (NPN): Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the major recommendations of the subgroup of chief minsters on Rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs). According to an official communiqué, the sub-group had examined 66 CSSs and recommended that number of CSSs should not normally exceed 30. “A consensus was reached on many contentious issues not only between the states represented on the sub-group but other States/UTs also through regional consultations and meetings with Union Ministries/Departments”, it said. The major recommendations include: a) Total number of schemes not to exceed 30; b) Existing CSSs to be divided into ‘Core and Optional Schemes’. i. Core schemes: Focus of CSSs should be on schemes that comprise the National Development Agenda
where the Centre and States will work together in the spirit of Team India. ii. C ore of the Core Schemes: Those schemes which are for social protection and social inclusion should form the core of core and be the first charge on available funds for the National Development Agenda. iii. Optional Schemes: The Schemes where States would be free to choose the ones they wish to implement. Funds for these schemes would be allocated to States by the Ministry of Finance as a lump sum. (List of CSS in accordance with National Development Agenda on p-7) Funding Pattern Existing Funding pattern of the Core of the Core Schemes would continue. Core Schemes: (a) For 8 North Eastern States and 3 Himalayan States: Centre: State: 90:10 (b) For other States: Centre: State: 60:40 (c) For Union Territories
(without Legislature): Centre 100% and for UTs with legislature existing funding pattern would continue. Optional Schemes: a) For 8 North Eastern States and 3 Himalayan States: Centre: State: 80:20 b) For other States: Centre: State: 50:50 c) For Union Territories: (i) (without Legislature) - Centre 100% (ii) Union Territories with Legislature: Centre: UT:80:20 Flexibility and Flexifunds to the States/UTs: a. While designing the CSS, Central Ministries shall permit flexibility in the choice of components to the States as available under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikaas Yojana. b. Moreover, flexi-funds available in each CSS has been raised from the current level of 10% to 25% for States and 30% for UTs of the overall annual allocation under each Scheme so that the implementation can be better attuned to the needs of individual State /UT. K Y M C