Suggested measures to improve ease of doing business in Nagaland

(With special focus on Mokokchung and Remote Districts)

Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry

1. District-Specific Ease of Doing Business Framework
A uniform Ease of Doing Business model does not adequately address the realities of remote districts. The state may consider a district-specific framework that factors in geography, connectivity, market access, and logistical constraints faced by upper Nagaland districts such as Mokokchung and its neighbors (Wokha, Zunheboto, Tuensang, Longleng, Shamator, Noklak, Kiphire, Mon).

2. Recognizing Upper Assam as a Key Trade Corridor
Upper Nagaland districts are largely dependent on Upper Assam for trade and commerce. This practical reality may be formally acknowledged in policy planning, including facilitation of inter-state trade movement, coordination with Assam authorities, and simplification of compliance procedures for businesses sourcing goods from Assam.

3. Strengthening Local Tax and Compliance Facilitation Cells
Dedicated facilitation desks at the district level, particularly in Mokokchung and other remote districts, may help businesses navigate GST, state taxes, and regulatory requirements. Regular helpdesks, awareness camps, and on-site grievance redressal mechanisms can reduce dependency on intermediaries.

4. Digitization with Offline Support
While digitization of tax and compliance systems is welcome, many remote areas face internet reliability issues. Hybrid systems combining online platforms with offline or assisted filing facilities at district offices would ensure inclusivity and reduce compliance burden.

5. Simplified Compliance for Small and Micro Enterprises
Most businesses in remote districts are small, family-run, or micro enterprises. Simplified return filing, reduced documentation, and extended timelines during peak seasons or connectivity disruptions may improve compliance and participation.

6. Logistics and Transport Cost Considerations
Higher transportation costs due to distance and terrain place remote district businesses at a disadvantage. The state may consider logistics-related incentives, transport subsidies, or tax relief measures for businesses operating in upper Nagaland.

7. Improved Inter-District Market Linkages
Measures to encourage trade linkages between Dimapur and upper districts, such as periodic trade fairs, procurement platforms, or buyer-seller meets, could gradually integrate remote districts into the state’s internal market.

8. Capacity Building and Awareness
Regular training programmes on taxation, compliance, and business regulations at the district level, conducted in coordination with chambers of commerce, would help improve understanding and voluntary compliance.

9. Feedback Loop and Continuous Consultation
Institutionalizing periodic consultations with district-level business bodies such as the MCCI would ensure continuous feedback and help the department fine-tune policies based on evolving ground realities.

10. Facilitating Tourism Through Visitor-Friendly Inner Line Permit (ILP) Processes
Tourism has significant potential to contribute to business development and local livelihoods in Mokokchung and other remote districts. Efforts may be made to streamline and simplify the Inner Line Permit (ILP) process for tourists, including the provision of hassle-free tourist ILP issuance on arrival or through simplified digital mechanisms. Improving ease of access for visitors would encourage greater tourist inflow, support the travel and hospitality sector, and create multiplier effects for small businesses, transport services, and local enterprises across upper Nagaland districts.

Submission of Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry to Commissioner of Taxes, Nagaland