Dimapur, May 21 (MExN): The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has expressed “deep concern” over what it termed as continued inaction by the Government of Nagaland in addressing representations submitted regarding alleged unfair and illegal trade practices initiated by certain Town and Municipal Councils across the state.
Some of the practices included unlawful issuance of tenders by these councils, which, it alleged, are monopolising local markets and infringing upon the principles of free enterprise.
In a press statement, BAN highlighted that it submitted a formal representation to the Government on April 29, 2025, drawing attention to specific instances where tenders were issued in a manner that effectively eliminated competition by granting exclusive rights to individual entities.
Such actions, it said, are a “clear violation of established fair trade norms and principles.”
While appreciating the Government’s willingness to act, the association raised concerns that the persistent delays in addressing the issue point to possible “systemic hindrances.” This, it stated, is emboldening irregular practices and sending a distressing signal to the business community.
According to BAN, the business community is now caught between “officially sanctioned monopolistic arrangements and informal illegal syndicate systems”—both of which are severely undermining fair and competitive commerce in Nagaland.
“Ultimately, it is the general public that bears the burden of such monopolistic practices through inflated prices, reduced choices, and compromised service quality,” it stated.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, BAN said it has found it necessary to place its representation in the public domain to uphold transparency and accountability, while also signalling the seriousness of the issue to all stakeholders.
Reiterating that public institutions must serve the people and not facilitate private commercial gains, BAN urged the Government to act decisively before the issue escalates further and causes irreversible damage to the business ecosystem in the state.
The association further cautioned that if timely and appropriate action continues to be withheld, it would be left with no option but to seek judicial recourse by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to protect the principles of fair trade and safeguard the interests of both the business community and the public at large.
