Nagaland Govt directs closure of all check gates

May 20, 2022 46 Views No Comment

Permitted check gates can be set up only after getting prior approval of the government

Dimapur, May 20 (MExN): The Nagaland Government has directed the closure of all police and departmental check gates in the State to combat illegal collection of money from vehicles at check gates and other locations in Nagaland.

A notification from the Home Department said that while the State Government has issued several directives in the past to stop illegal money collection, reports, however, continue to be received alleging illegal collection from vehicles on roads and at various check gates by organizations, groups, government agencies, private individuals etc.

Check gates set up by the police, other departments, including Municipal and Town Councils, shall be immediately closed throughout the State, except the interstate check gates, which may function up till May 31 and beyond that date shall function only after obtaining a specific approval of the Home Department.

It further said that check gates by any organization, group or private individual, for whatsoever reasons, shall also be removed/closed forthwith.

Meanwhile, with regard to additional inter or intra district check gates required for “unavoidable reasons” by any department, including the police Department, in any part of the State, the matter shall be referred through the AHOD/HOD concerned with justifications to the Home Department for consideration. Such gates can only be set up after getting prior approval of the government.

The notice directed all departments to dismantle and completely remove any temporary structure/building standing at the location of the existing check gates so as to obviate the possibility of anyone else misusing the structure/space left behind for illegal collection purposes.

The Home Department directed the DCs to constitute inspection teams to ensure there is no check gate functional on any road in the district in violation of this order. The teams are to move with a section strength force to be provided by the respective SP/DCP, and regularly conduct surprise inspections. The teams have also been directed to conduct comprehensive inspections of the functioning of the duly permitted check gates to ensure that no illegal collection of money is taking place. If found; such reports are to be brought to the notice of the DC and the Home Department.
Meanwhile, the notice said that the person in charge of any permitted check gate shall ensure that except the government employees detailed by the department, no other private individual is present at any point of time in and around the premises/structure being used for the purposes of check gate. The presence of such people at or near the check gate “shall be considered as sufficient proof of everyone colluding for illegal collection of money and action as per law shall be taken against everyone,” the notice said.

The DCs have been asked to ensure that observations and findings of the inspection team, and actions taken, are given wide publicity. The Home Department added that “from time to time,” it will send teams of officers from the Secretariat to inspect the check gates.

The PHQ has been directed to set up a 24×7 control room and share contact numbers with WhatsApp facility, and an email ID, inviting people to anonymously (if desired) to share info or make complaints regarding illegal collection of money from vehicles at any check gates or at other location in the State.

Department officials can immediately contact the inspection team of the district concerned and jointly carry out necessary checks on vehicles suspected of carrying illegal items, or if there is any contravention of any law/rule/regulation, or it has evaded paying any charges/fee/tax etc.

Meanwhile, the PWD has been asked to put up prominent signage at every check gate/point declaring that no payment other than required by any law/rule/provision, if applicable, shall be made and that for such payments a proper receipt will be given. The contact number of control room in PHQ shall be displayed prominently on the signage.

The Deputy Commissioners have been directed to obtain regular reports from the inspection team and submit a detailed report to the Home Department on the 1st and 15th of every month. The report should certify that regular inspections are being carried out; no unauthorized check gate is functional; and there are no cases of illegal collection of money by anyone at the permitted check gates.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/nagaland-govt-directs-closure-of-all-check-gates