DIMAPUR, JULY 14 (MExN): The Joint Council Forum (JCF) today issued a statement clarifying recent misinterpretations regarding its initiative for voluntary contributions from the business community. This response follows what it said were “negative portrayals on social media, primarily driven by individuals with vested interests.”
A press release from the JCF informed that there were longstanding complaints about various unions and associations collecting monthly fees ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 2000 from businesses in the Clock Tower area. In an effort to tackle these issues, the Churches Colony, NST Colony, and Middle Point councils held a joint meeting to address the concerns of the local business community.
During the meeting, participants suggested the formation of a joint council to better oversee business affairs, leading to the establishment of the JCF. To support the council's operations, the business community proposed setting up an office, operational since April 2024, along with a voluntary nominal monthly fee collection to fund its activities. The JCF emphasized, “This contribution is voluntary and not forcibly collected.”
In light of ongoing misinterpretations, the forum stated, “We assure transparency and accountability in our operations.”
Additionally, the forum expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in addressing unauthorized operations by various unions and associations in the area. Despite these efforts, unauthorized collections continue to be an issue, prompting the JCF to call for further action from administration and law enforcement to combat this ongoing problem. “We respectfully request that the administration and law enforcement agencies consider taking additional steps to address this issue,” the forum added.
