The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has urged the Nagaland government to immediately constitute and operationalise Town Vending Committees (TVCs) across the state’s towns, while raising concerns over the alleged misuse of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, by certain private associations.
In a representation to Chief Secretary of Nagaland dated October 27, CNCCI alleged that the absence of properly constituted and functional TVCs had created scope for certain private associations to exercise undue control over street vendors and business establishments.
The confederation claimed that such practices reportedly included demands for compulsory membership, unauthorised monetary fines and penalties, and directives requiring business establishments to remain closed on Sundays.
Pointing out that the Street Vendors Act provides a statutory framework for protecting street vendors’ livelihoods and regulating vending activities, CNCCI maintained that matters relating to vendor registration, surveys, vending zones and grievances must be addressed through legally prescribed mechanisms and competent authorities.
It urged the state government to direct all municipal and town councils to constitute and operationalise TVCs in accordance with the Act and applicable Nagaland Rules, with clearly defined powers, functions and representation of street vendors and other stakeholders.
CNCCI also called for accessible grievance-redressal mechanisms through which street vendors and affected business establishments could report alleged coercion, unauthorised demands and other grievances without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
On the alleged role of private associations, the confederation stated that while associations had a legitimate role in representing their members and promoting collective welfare, such representation should not extend to coercive control over individuals or businesses.
It urged the government to investigate complaints relating to forced membership, unauthorised financial demands, monetary penalties and coercive directives, and take appropriate action wherever violations were established.
The confederation further sought clear instructions to municipal and town councils, police authorities and other concerned departments to ensure that private associations did not assume regulatory or enforcement powers reserved for statutory authorities.
Regarding Sunday closures, CNCCI clarified that it neither endorsed nor opposed Sunday closure as a matter of principle. However, it maintained that any direction affecting the operation of business establishments must have a valid legal basis and be issued or enforced only by the competent authority in accordance with applicable law.
CNCCI has requested the Chief Secretary to issue time-bound directions to the Department of Urban Development and municipal and town councils for the constitution of TVCs, establishment of grievance-redressal mechanisms and investigation into alleged unlawful practices by private organisations.
The representation was signed by CNCCI General Secretary Avi Chase and Chairman Dr. Khekugha Muru.
