- DIMAPUR — The Business Association of Nagas
(BAN) has raised serious concerns over what it described as the state
government’s continued inaction in addressing unfair and illegal trade
practices allegedly carried out by several Town and Municipal Councils across
Nagaland.
- In a statement issued on Wednesday, the association reminded
that it had submitted a formal representation to Nagaland government on April
29, 2025, highlighting multiple instances where tenders were allegedly issued
in a manner that eliminated competition and granted exclusive rights to select
entities.
- It maintained that such practices were in direct violation
of fair trade principles and were contributing to monopolisation of the local
market.
- “While we appreciate the government’s willingness to act,
these persistent delays point to possible systemic hindrances and are
emboldening irregular practices. This sends a distressing signal to the
business community.
- “The business community now finds itself trapped between
officially sanctioned monopolistic arrangements and informal illegal syndicate
systems—both of which are severely undermining fair and competitive commerce in
the state. Ultimately, it is the general public that bears the burden of such
monopolistic practices through inflated prices, reduced choices, and
compromised service quality,” the statement read.
- According to BAN, growing frustration and a lack of timely
government response have prompted the association to make its April 29
representation public.
- “BAN reiterates that the role of public institutions is to
serve the people—not to facilitate private commercial gains. We urge the
government to act decisively before the problem further escalates and causes
irreversible damage to the business ecosystem in Nagaland,” it asserted.
- The association further warned that if appropriate action is
not taken promptly, it will have no choice but to pursue legal recourse by way
of filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to safeguard fair trade practices
and protect the interests of both the business community and the public at
large.
Also read: CNCCI calls off business shutdown in nine districts after government assurance
