The Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry has urged the MMC to review temporary commercial permits, citing concerns over unfair competition and the long-term sustainability of local businesses.
DIMAPUR — The Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) has urged the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) to review its practice of issuing special or temporary commercial permits to outside businesses for short-term sales in Mokokchung town.
In a representation to the Chief Executive Officer of the MMC, the MCCI stated that the issue should be viewed not merely as one of granting individual permissions but in the context of the long-term economic sustainability of the town and the interests of its permanent business community.
The representation was submitted pursuant to resolutions adopted at the MCCI Executive Council meeting on September 5.
The MCCI maintained that permanent businesses make continuous contributions to Mokokchung through employment, rentals, taxes, municipal and sanitation fees, licences and other statutory obligations. They also contribute to community activities through sponsorships, donations and support to local institutions.
It pointed out that Mokokchung has a relatively small market with limited consumer purchasing capacity.
Frequent temporary sales by outside establishments, particularly those offering products that directly compete with goods already available locally, could therefore have a disproportionate impact on permanent businesses, it stated.
According to the MCCI, while temporary operators may generate short-term sales and revenue, permanent establishments continue to bear their operating costs even during periods of reduced business.
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It therefore urged the municipal authority to consider the broader economic impact of temporary permits rather than focusing only on permit revenue.
Citing the recent case of “Bombay Make Up Bazar”, the MCCI stated that the business operated in Mokokchung from August 18 to the 28th under a special permit issued by the MMC and had an adverse impact on local businesses dealing in similar products.
It further raised concern over the subsequent issuance of another special permit, extending the same business's presence from August 29 to September 5.
The chamber said the episode should prompt the MMC to review its existing practice of issuing and extending temporary commercial permits, particularly where such businesses directly compete with permanent establishments.
The MCCI clarified that it was not opposed to legitimate commerce, healthy competition or temporary activities that could bring economic, tourism or consumer benefits to the town.
However, it called for a precautionary approach, arguing that temporary commercial permissions should be granted only in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear benefit to Mokokchung's broader economic interests.
It also requested the MMC to establish a formal consultation mechanism with MCCI before granting temporary permits, particularly for activities involving goods or services already offered by permanent establishments.
The chamber further called for a clear and transparent policy governing special and temporary commercial permits.
Such a policy, it suggested, should specify eligibility criteria, duration and frequency of permits, statutory compliance requirements, safeguards against unfair competition, stakeholder consultation and appropriate fees and conditions.
The MCCI has requested the MMC to reconsider the routine issuance of temporary commercial permits, consult the chamber before approving such permissions, formulate consistent guidelines and review permits already issued in light of their potential impact on permanent businesses.
Reiterating that its position was not against competition or legitimate economic activity, the MCCI said its primary concern was to ensure a level playing field and the long-term sustainability of Mokokchung's commercial ecosystem.