DIMAPUR, MAY 3 (MExN): The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), in a meeting held on May 3, reiterated the long-standing demand for nominee representation of the business community in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), warning that failure on the part of the government to act within the agreed timeframe would compel the business community to launch an indefinite voluntary shutter down in Dimapur.
In a press statement, the DCCI clarified that the demand is not a recent development, but one that dates back several years.
Representations were made to the Home Department (Political Branch) in 2021, followed by submissions to the Chief Secretary in 2023 and the Adviser for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs in 2024. The issue, the DCCI said, was acknowledged and agreed upon by the State Government alongside other concerns, but has since remained unresolved.
During a meeting held on April 23 in Kohima between government officials and the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), the government had sought a two-week period to address the matter. Demonstrating goodwill and in the interest of dialogue, the CNCCI and affiliated district chambers agreed to defer the indefinite voluntary shutter down, which was originally scheduled to begin on April 24.
However, the DCCI has now cautioned that if the government does not honour its assurance within the stipulated two-week window, it will be left with no alternative but to proceed with the proposed shutdown of commercial establishments in Dimapur. The Chamber questioned why Dimapur, being the commercial hub of Nagaland and the highest contributor to state revenue, continues to face neglect, describing the government’s approach as a form of step-motherly treatment.
The DCCI also highlighted problems faced by the business community in Dimapur and other districts, and why nominee representation is a must to address such problems in the interest of the business community and the public at large. These include trade license fee escalation without understanding the nature of business and volumes, issue of sanitation fee, new variety of fees despite getting a trade licence, imposition of lease on items like mineral water, potato, tomato, dry fish etc., and accompanying price rise which affects consumers and selling of items by ULBs like Christmas star, dustbin and fire extinguisher.
Such practices, it noted, are at odds with the primary role of ULBs, which is to regulate and govern—not become business enterprises.
The DCCI also called on the public to understand that the business community’s representation in the ULBs is not only in the interest of the business community but also for safeguarding the interests of consumers, as every individual is a consumer at the end of the day.
TDCCI: The Tseminyu District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TDCCI) also expressed strong opposition to the Nagaland Government’s decision regarding nominee representation in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), calling it a setback to democratic governance.
In a statement, the TDCCI warned that it would launch an indefinite shutdown of business establishments in Tseminyu district if the government fails to meet its demand within 14 days. The ultimatum follows a meeting held with the Commissioner and Secretary of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs on April 23, 2025.
The TDCCI urged the state government to initiate dialogue with all stakeholders, including elected ULB members, tribal bodies, and civil society organizations to restore public confidence and uphold the principles of local self-governance in the state.
PDCCI: The Phek District Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PDCCI) registered protest against government step motherly treatment and ignoring the stakeholders, with regard to the demand for nominee representation in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
If the state government fails to meet the demand within the stipulated time of 14 days which was extended after the meeting with the Commissioner & Secretary (Urban Development & Municipal Affairs) on 23rd of April 2025, the PDCCI would exercise its democratic authority and shall have an indefinite business shutter down within Phek District. This was stated in a release issued by PDCCI president Razoukhruyi Dozo.
