Stir against Secunderabad Cantonment Board's toll tax for vehicles

Hyderabad: ‘Hum Lagan Nahi Denge’. Holding placards stating this, owners of DCM and auto trolleys staged a dharna in the cantonment area to object to the SCB board’s resolution to collect entry toll tax from vehicles carrying goods. Post-GST, the central government and the Ministry of Defence has directed cantonments across India to stop collecting octroi and toll tax.

The SCB too had stopped collecting toll tax since July 1, but in a recent meeting, the Cantonment Board revealed that it had earned '9 crore during the last financial year through its toll collection. It resolved to reintroduce the toll tax but after a formal approval from the Ministry of Defence. This revenue accrued largely from levies on commercial vehicles and vehicles carrying goods and entering Secunderabad Cantonment area.  

Three different protests against this possible decision were held on Tuesday. One at the check post, the second was a signature campaign called ‘No tax’ conducted during the morning hours and finally a street play titled ‘Hum Lagan Nahi Denge’ was performed as a mark of protest. Groups of residents holding placards were also present at the protests.  

Mr Jai Prakash, former SCB vice president alleged, “The nexus between elected representatives and toll tax contractors is one of the main factors for passing the ‘revival of toll tax collection’ resolution in the board meeting. Why are the board members supporting contractors? Shouldn’t the elected ward members choose people over contractors?  The protest will continue with Resident Welfare Associations from Alwal, Malkajgiri, Kapra and Quthbullapur joining hands with us, until the tax resolution is taken back.”

However SCB vice president, Mr J. Ramakrishna earlier indicated that the board would have to study GST's provisions before it could make resolutions on octroi. “The reintroduction of toll tax will be done as per the fee structure that prevailed before the introduction of GST”, Mr. Ramakrishna said.