Fatehgarh Sahib. July 16, 2018: It is unfortunate that the Deputy Commissioner office has imposed "Jajia Tax" (forcible collection) on the name of Red Cross donations from the people, who come for the renewal of their arms licenses and to get marriage registration certificates, said Kuljit Singh Nagra MLA, while talking to media persons here today. He said that this practice should be immediately stopped as it brings bad name to the Govt. and breeds corrupt practices.
He said CM has clear cut instructions that no "Jajia Tax" (forcible collection) can be imposed on the people, while providing those services, rather all services should be provided under one roof as per RTS Act.
MLA said that people have brought to his notice about this practice alleging that when they apply for new and renewal of arms license and for marriage registration certificate, they are forced by the Deputy Commissioner office to make donation from Rs.5100/- to Rs.11000/- to Red Cross only then they are issued the certificates.
He said that he was surprised to know that people are being forced to pay. He asked when the people apply at Suvidha center to get various types of services and get the delivery at Suvidha center as per RTS Act, why two services Arms licenses, its renewal and marriage registration certificates are delivered by DC office.
He said even BPL people beneficial of Shagun scheme are not spared and they are also forced to make donation to Red Cross. He said it is mandatory for them to have marriage registration certificate to get the benefit of Shagun scheme. He said they get only Rs.21000/- and they have to pay donation.
He urged the new Deputy Commissioner to immediately stop the forcible Red Cross donation and should adopt other means to collect donations only from the affordable class by making them members.