Government yet to come up with a single scheme for business
Government yet to come up with a single scheme for business community, says Nagaland commerce body
Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry has lamented that though the business community in Nagaland is contributing a huge chunk of revenue to the state government, yet the government has so far failed to look into the welfare of the business community
Dr. Khekugha Muru (3rd from right) with representatives of
DCCI and KCCI at Phek town hall, on Feb. 8.
DIMAPUR — The
Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has lamented
that though the business community in Nagaland is contributing a huge chunk of
revenue to the state government, yet the government has so far failed to look
into the welfare of the business community.
During financial year 2023-2024, the business community
contributed INR 1064 crore GST revenue to the state government, apart from the
huge revenue generated through VAT (value added tax) from the business
community, said Dr. Khekugha Muru, chairman of CNCCI.
He was speaking as the guest speaker at the 36th general
session of the Phek District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PDCCI) at Phek
town hall on February 8, an update stated.
“The business community is the highest earner for the state
government and is the second highest contributor to state’s treasury after the
Centre. But how much concern has the state government for the business
community?” Muru asked.
Till date, the government community has not provided
facilities or come out with a single scheme for the business community, he
said.
“Even our appeal to induct at least one nominated member
from the business community in the urban local bodies is yet to be fulfilled,
except in Kohima and Mokokchung municipal councils,” he said.
He also said that the state is yet to set up a business
advisory board to look into the welfare and interest of the business community.
“One main reason why our state is lagging behind is because
the voice of the business community is not heard,” he added.
Meanwhile, the CNCCI chairman also shared that every
businessman must possess ethics and morality if they want to thrive. Muru said
that if businessmen or traders do not have these two attributes, then they will
lose the trust and confidence of the consumers and, ultimately, their business
will collapse.
On rampant and illegal taxation imposed by various Naga
political groups, the CNCCI chairman said that the business community should
take the lead to end illegal taxation as the common public have waited in vain
for the government or civil society organisations to take any concrete action.
Muru also stressed on inter-district road connectivity to
boost trade amongst villagers of different districts.
He further commended the PDCCI as one of the “most bold,
unified and strong’ district commerce bodies in the state.
Nienu’s take on good leadership
Kuzholuzo Nienu, MLA, who also delivered greetings on the
occasion, said that people who cannot understand and swallow bitter truths or
accept constructive criticisms cannot provide good leadership.
The legislator also said that “today it’s a sad story that
every union or organisations are working for their own interest and not for the
common welfare.”
He said too much factions, organisations and unions have
fragmented Naga society and so the society has become directionless.
“All these are because we have failed to put God first. If
we put God first, we can outshine any state,” Nienu said.
A host of business associations and commerce chambers
including the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Kohima Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Chümoukedima Town Chamber of Commerce and
Trade Association, Meluri Town Business Union, Chozuba Town Business Union and
Pfutsero Town Traders’ Union, also attended the PDCCI session.
The session also witnessed the introduction of new PDCCI
office bearers.
