In a strongly worded letter addressed to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has expressed deep dissatisfaction over the non-implementation of government decisions regarding Urban Local Body (ULB) representation and issued a final appeal for redressal before April 20, 2025.
Highlighting the growing contribution of Nagaland’s business community, the CNCCI stated that “the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in the state stood at ¹ 1,064 crores during the financial year 2023–24, in addition to several hundred crores collected through VAT.” Despite the lack of formal recognition, the letter underscored that the business community remains “committed and proud to be the highest contributor to the state’s internal revenue—second only to central grants and funding.”
While appreciating the nomination of Presidents of the Mokokchung and Kohima Chambers of Commerce to the ULBs, the CNCCI said it was “compelled to express deep concerns and grievances” over the exclusion of the remaining eight district chambers. “The selective implementation contradicts the principle of equality and gives rise to perceptions of step motherly treatment,” it stated, demanding the “immediate nomination of representatives from all remaining district chambers.”
The CNCCI also raised concerns about what it described as the government’s failure to implement its own decision. Citing Government Decision No. CON-6/LOR-II/2006(Vol-I) dated September 14, 2021, the confederation said, “It is disheartening that the Government has failed to implement its own decision… This reflects poorly on governance and undermines stakeholders’ trust.”
Warning that continued neglect would compel them to consider peaceful protests, the letter asserted, “As a principal economic stakeholder, CNCCI may be compelled to resort to democratic means of peaceful protests—if these long-standing commitments continue to be ignored.”
The confederation further took issue with the qualifications of some government-nominated ULB representatives, stating, “Several government-nominated representatives do not meet the criteria outlined in the Municipal Act. By contrast, the district chambers fully meet these qualifications and have… actively supported ULB administrators, civil administration, and law enforcement in the absence of elected bodies.”
CNCCI also alleged a violation of legal provisions regarding the number of government nominees. “The number of government nominees exceeds the limits prescribed by the Municipal Act,” the letter noted, emphasizing that the business community “contributes 70–80% of the ULBs’ revenues” through various taxes and fees. “Denying them rightful representation undermines the core purpose of local self-governance,” it added.
The letter concluded with a final appeal: “We respectfully urge the Government to address and accommodate our long-pending and legitimate demands before the 20th of April 2025. Failing which, CNCCI will be compelled to exercise all democratic options available to ensure our voice is heard and our rightful demands are met without further delay.”
The CNCCI reminded the government of verbal assurances made during the 1st North East States Chamber of Commerce Business Conclave held in Dimapur, and stated that it has “exhausted all official avenues,” including representations to the Advisor to Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, the Chief Secretary, and the Principal Secretary to UD&MA.