HBDRF urges CM to take up with Assam govt for reducing tax on broomstick

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 8, 2025

The Hynñiewtrep Border Disputed Redressal Forum (HBDRF) has urged the chief minister Conrad K Sangma to take up with Assam government for reducing the tax on broomstick.

In a letter to Sangma, the forum said, “…on behalf of all the Khasi Pnar people of Block -I & II, (we) request you to take up with the Hon’ble Chief Minister Assam for reducing the tax on Broomstick.”

It said that the Assam Government have not recognised Broomstick as an agricultural product but it is considered to be a forest product.

“Thereby leaving ample opportunities for Assam Forest department and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Forest Department to levy exorbitant taxes on broomsticks and at present Rs 12, 000/- to Rs 15, 000/- is being charged per Mahindra Bolero Pick-up Truck,” the letter said while adding “Due to the bad road conditions the Pickup truck can carry only 1.2 metric tons i.e 1200 kgs only while the tax comes to Rupees 10 (ten) to 12 (twelve) per kg. Thus, the Khasi Pnar people of Block -I & II bear a great loss and their hard work is in vain.”

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“Therefore, we request or urge you to immediately intervene before the time of selling of this product (January 2025) so that our farmers living in the disputed areas will get the right price as they deserved,” the forum stated.