The issue of indiscriminate increase in holding tax is hot nowadays in Hazaribagh and adjoining districts. When AJSU leader Pradeep Prasad took the lead and raised voice against the decision the people of Hazaribagh gave him overwhelming support which became evident on January 17 with the success of band call given by him. Tomorrow he is going to lead the denizens on Ranchi chalo march on foot against this decision.
Speaking on the issue, MP Jayant Sinha said, “I have talked to the Minister and soon the Government will reconsider its decision. I have also talked with the Deputy Commissioner and have told him to direct the agency authorised by the Government to not to force the denizens to deposit the tax amount immediately and to only take their property papers if they do not want to pay tax within January 31.”
Anjali Kumari, Mayor Hazaribagh Municipal Corporation also said denizens can deposit their papers in the agency without paying the tax immediately. But the reality is far away from their versions.
As the last date is closer more and more people are getting angry as the agency staffs are not hearing theirs pleas and are treating roughly with the tax payers.
On Sunday an office of the private agency situated in Jullu Park area of Hazaribagh was open and more than 50 people were there to submit their property papers. When a person talked about the assurances and directions of the MP and the Mayor, a staff of the agency flatly said that, “We do not know MP or Mayor. For us Chief Secretary and Secretary of the Department are supreme and their words are final for us.
“If your MP and Mayor are powerful then ask them to instruct the CS and Secretary about their assurances in writing to our agency...”