Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry threatens protest over lack of representation in Urban Local Bodies

Published on Apr 19, 2025

DIMAPUR — The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has issued an ultimatum to the Nagaland government, threatening democratic protests if their demands for equal representation in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are not met by April 20.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the confederation alluded to selective implementation of representation in ULBs, a disregard for the government's own previous decisions, questionable qualifications of government nominees, and an excessive number of nominees exceeding limits set by the Municipal Act.
The CNCCI thanked the chief minister for nominating the respective presidents of Mokokchung and Kohima Chambers of Commerce and Industry to their ULBs but expressed disappointment that the remaining were excluded.
It contended that this “step-motherly treatment” contradicts the principle of equality. “CNCCI, therefore, demands the immediate nomination of representatives from all remaining district chambers to their respective Urban Local Bodies,” the letter read.
Furthermore, the organisation criticised the government's failure to implement its own decision taken on September 14, 2021.

It claimed that several government-nominated representatives do not meet the qualifications outlined in the Municipal Act, while the district chambers fully meet these criteria and have actively supported ULB administrators for over two decades.
The CNCCI also raised concerns about the number of government nominees exceeding the limits prescribed by the Municipal Act. They emphasised that the business community contributes 70-80% of ULB revenues through various taxes and fees, making their rightful representation essential for effective local self-governance.
“Despite the absence of formal recognition from the state government, 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,” it asserted.
Citing exhaustion of all official channels over the past four years, the CNCCI made a final appeal for the government to address their long-pending and legitimate demands before April 20.
“Failing which,” it declared, "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."