Who regulates street vending in Nagaland? CNCCI seeks government clarity

DIMAPUR — The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has urged the state government to constitute and operationalise Town Vending Committees (TVCs) across Nagaland, alleging that the absence of functional statutory bodies has allowed private associations to exercise powers not vested in them under the Street Vendors Act, 2014.

In a representation to the chief secretary dated October 27, the CNCCI alleged that some private associations had been imposing compulsory membership, collecting unauthorised fines and issuing directives on Sunday business closures.

The chamber pointed out that the Act provides for TVCs as the statutory bodies responsible for regulating street vending, with representation from street vendors, local authorities and other stakeholders. It argued that the absence or non-functioning of these committees had created room for private bodies to assume regulatory roles without clear legal authority.

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The CNCCI asked the government to direct all municipal and town councils to constitute and operationalise TVCs in accordance with the Act and the Nagaland Street Vendors Rules, 2019. It also called for the composition and functions of the committees to be made public and for a grievance-redressal mechanism to be established.

The chamber further sought an inquiry into complaints of compulsory membership and unauthorised penalties, and urged the government to prevent private associations from exercising powers that fall within the jurisdiction of statutory authorities.

On Sunday closures, the CNCCI maintained that it neither endorsed nor opposed restrictions on trading during worship hours. However, it stated that any such directive must have a valid legal basis and be issued and enforced by a competent authority.