Guwahati: Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Wednesday alleged that the steep increase in the prices of eggs and several essential commodities in Assam is the result of an illegal “syndicate tax” or “Gunda Tax” allegedly collected from goods-laden trucks entering the state through the Assam-West Bengal border. He urged the state government to immediately break down the alleged network.
Speaking to reporters during a protest, the Raijor Dal leader claimed that eggs, currently retailing between Rs 8.50 and Rs 10 in Guwahati, should cost no more than Rs 5.75 per piece according to the benchmark rate set by the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC).
Gogoi alleged that trucks transporting goods into Assam through the Srirampur and Boxirhat entry points are forced to pay illegal levies, with the additional burden ultimately passed on to consumers through higher retail prices.
“An egg should not cost more than Rs 5.75 as per the National Egg Coordination Committee. However, consumers in Guwahati are paying Rs 8.50 to Rs 10 because trucks entering Assam through Srirampur and Boxirhat are allegedly charged Rs 3 per egg at syndicate gates,” he claimed.
The MLA further alleged that the alleged illegal collections extend beyond eggs, affecting the prices of broiler chicken, fish, fruits, rice, pulses and several other essential commodities transported into Assam. He also claimed that goods leaving the state, including dry areca nut (betel nut), are subjected to similar levies.
“Broiler chicken, fish, fruits, rice and pulses are all allegedly subjected to such charges. Even dry betel nuts being transported out of Assam are reportedly charged Rs 60 per kilogram,” he alleged.
Gogoi also levelled allegations against Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary, accusing them of patronising the alleged syndicate. There was no immediate response from either leader to the accusations.
Drawing a comparison with prices in the national capital, Gogoi said eggs are available in Delhi for around Rs 6.50 each, while consumers in Assam are paying close to Rs 10 because of the alleged illegal levy.
He maintained that dismantling the alleged syndicate was essential to bringing down the prices of essential commodities across the state.
The Assam government has not yet issued an official statement responding to the allegations.