Nagaland trade body questions Cabinet's latest decision
Nagaland trade body questions Cabinet's latest decision
The CNCCI has expressed concern and surprise over the Cabinet’s recent decision, which, the confederation said, mirrors the proposal put forth by the UD&MA during an April 23 meeting.
DIMAPUR — The
Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has
expressed concern and surprise over the Cabinet’s recent decision, which, the
confederation said, mirrors the proposal put forth by the department of Urban
Development & Municipal Affairs (UD&MA) during an April 23 meeting.
In a press release, the CNCCI said that the proposal, which
was presented in response to the confederation’s call for a business shutdown across
nine aggrieved districts scheduled for April 24, had been categorically
rejected by the CNCCI.
“This raises serious concerns as to whether the longstanding
and genuine demands of the district chambers were accurately and appropriately
presented to the Cabinet by the chief secretary and the department concerned.
“To provide clarity to both the public and the government,
we reiterate that the demand for representation in ULBs is not new. It has been
communicated consistently and through proper channels for the past four years,”
it stated.
The CNCCI informed that on September 9, 2021, it had
submitted a formal representation to the chief secretary, followed by a
reminder to the commissioner secretary of UD&MA on November 9, 2021.
Additionally, on September 22, 2021, the then 12 district
chambers had submitted representations to the chief secretary through their
respective deputy commissioners.
“In 2024, a CNCCI delegation met the chief secretary in his
office to personally apprise him of the matter. During an informal interaction
on the sidelines of a meeting at the chief minister’s residence, the chief
secretary was again verbally reminded, to which he responded positively,
assuring that the issue would be addressed after the ULB elections,” it stated.
Consequently, in accordance with the nomination procedure,
all district chambers submitted their nomination papers through their
respective deputy commissioners.
However, only the chambers from Mokokchung and Kohima were
accommodated, and this selective consideration has caused deep disappointment
and a sense of marginalisation among the nine other district chambers, the
confederation stated.
In response, the CNCCI called for a peaceful, democratic,
and indefinite voluntary business shutdown from April 25.
“This collective action was taken to express the displeasure
of the nine aggrieved district chambers. Subsequently, the government invited
the CNCCI for a meeting, during which our position was clearly reiterated.
“We understand that the Cabinet’s decision was likely to be
based on the inputs provided by the chief secretary and the department
concerned. It is therefore imperative that the matter—as it has evolved over
the past four years—be presented to the Cabinet truthfully and in its
entirety,” the confederation argued.
Urging the chief minister and the Cabinet to re-examine the
“longstanding and legitimate demand,” the CNCCI also demanded the chief
secretary and the UD&MA department accurately and comprehensively brief the
Cabinet.
“In a gesture of goodwill and respect for the government’s
request, the CNCCI and the district chambers deferred the proposed shutdown for
two weeks. However, in the absence of a fair and just resolution, the CNCCI is
left with no option but to allow the nine aggrieved districts to proceed with
the indefinite shutdown as part of their democratic rights.
“We assure the public that sufficient notice and information
will be provided in advance,” the release added.
