DIMAPUR — There appears to be no easing up on
the friction between Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and
Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC).
On Wednesday, the DCCI issued a press statement flagging
certain policies and operational anomalies within the DMC even as it reiterated
that it does not intend to engage in a blame game.
“With regard to the status of elected representatives, the
DCCI does not question their legitimacy and holds the office in high regard.
Nevertheless, the DCCI wishes to remind the DMC that being elected does not
grant the liberty to operate a public office in an arbitrary or self-styled
manner.
“Public offices must function in accordance with the
Municipal Act of Nagaland,” it stated while reminding that even the highest
decision-making body in the country, the Parliament, operates within the
framework of the Constitution and established laws.
The business body questioned the legal basis of the DMC’s
decision to sell items such as “stars, fire extinguishers, and dustbins.” It
asked the council to clarify which specific section of the Municipal Act
permits such practices.
Licence fee hike
The DCCI also pointed out “certain anomalies affecting the
business community.” It questioned the rationale provided by the DMC for the
recent hike in trade licence fees, which was reportedly to fund the
digitisation of the council’s website and online services.
The DCCI pointed out that discussions regarding digitisation
and fee increases had taken place two years ago and questioned the delay in
implementation. It also sought clarification on whether the DMC receives any
state funding for digital infrastructure.
It further stated that traders have reported the imposition
of a new fee termed ‘Regulation Fee’ following the issuance of trade licences.
Footpath
encroachments
The DCCI flagged contradictions in the DMC’s enforcement of
safety regulations while allowing vendors to operate on footpaths and drainage
slabs—often obstructing pedestrian movement.
It questioned the rationale behind collecting taxes from
these vendors while simultaneously aiming to develop Dimapur into a modern
metropolitan city.
Unauthorised
collections
The chamber raised concerns about reports from one ward
where a caretaker—allegedly appointed by the ward councillor—collects INR 200
per shop monthly using an official DMC ID.
It demanded to know who had authorised the issuance of this
ID and whether such collections are legally sanctioned.
Taxation of GST goods
Also, the DCCI alleged that the DMC is taxing goods
transported by railway waggons, including those already covered under the Goods
and Services Tax (GST).
“Goods under GST cannot be taxed again,” it asserted.
Criticising these practices, the DCCI questioned whether
they align with the DMC’s stated vision of transforming Dimapur into a thriving
urban and commercial hub in Nagaland.
It also thanked civil society organisations, welfare
committees, business owners, and citizens for their support during the recent
voluntary shutter-down protest observed across nine districts under the aegis
of the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
