In response to a recent press release made by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has issued a statement seeking to clarify certain points. The DMC had asserted that “as statutory entities with legislative and executive powers, ULBs are not obligated to consult with external organizations on such matters.”
However, the CNCCI has reminded the DMC and other urban local bodies (ULBs) in Nagaland of a government standing order that mandates the inclusion of business community representatives in decision-making processes related to business activities.
Quoting the directive, CNCCI stated that “the Administrator of all urban local bodies will take step for including the representative from business community of their cities/towns in their advisory committee for taking decisions in respect to various business-related activities”. The CNCCI stated that it is, therefore, incumbent upon ULBs to consult with the business community, and non-compliance would amount to “contempt of government and cause embarrassment to the state government.”
Regarding the DMC’s comments on collection and taxation concerns raised by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), which the DMC dismissed as “speculative and unwarranted,” the CNCCI urged the DCCI to formally present its grievances to the DMC. The CNCCI stressed the importance of ensuring that the business community is not unduly burdened and that all actions remain within the framework of the Municipal Act and government guidelines.