The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today urged the State Government to revoke orders issued by district administrations requiring students to submit property tax and solid waste management-related documents for obtaining essential certificates, saying the move places an unnecessary burden on students seeking admission or employment.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan, MPCC General Secretary Seram Niken criticised the requirement for applicants to produce a valid property tax payment receipt or Property Tax Clearance Certificate issued by Urban Local Bodies, along with documentary proof of household enrolment under the Solid Waste Management System, while applying for domicile, OBC, SC/ST, Permanent Residence, income and other certificates.
Niken said the additional requirements have made the process more complicated and time-consuming, causing hardship to students who often need the certificates within strict deadlines for admissions and job applications.
He observed that many people are still unfamiliar with the property tax system and obtaining the required clearance certificates has become difficult. Delays in securing these documents, he said, could result in students missing educational or employment opportunities, thereby affecting their right to education and equal access to opportunities.
“It is understandable if the responsibility is placed on property owners or parents, but why should students be made to suffer?” Niken asked. He added that while property tax and garbage tax may contribute to state revenue, they should not become obstacles for students seeking essential documents.
Appealing to the government to immediately withdraw the district administration orders and simplify the process of issuing certificates, Niken warned that if no action is taken, the MPCC, in consultation with student bodies, is prepared to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the appropriate court.
The press conference was attended by MPCC General Secretaries Dr. S. Manaoton, Ningthoujam Popilal Mangang and P. Bankimchandra Meitei, NSUI Manipur president Joyson Khoho, and other party office-bearers.
