CTC continues market oversight amid challenges

The Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC), which oversees 11 wards with approximately 1,600 shops, continues to improve local market operations amid ongoing challenges. Among the wards, Ward 6 houses the highest number of shops, while Ward 5 has the lowest.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, CTC market inspector Tangmong S Lushing disclosed that the influence of overground taxation groups in the markets was minimal, largely due to the support of the Chümoukedima Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI).
He claimed that market prices in Chümoukedima were also generally lower and more stable owing to the smaller and more manageable size of the market area.
Lushing stated that the town currently operated four to five market zones.
He admitted that while price regulation for essential vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, and onions was done with relative ease, prices of perishable green vegetables were more difficult to monitor and standardise due to fluctuating availability and shelf life.
The market inspector also disclosed that the Chümoukedima Town Council conducted regular inspections—typically two to three times a month as well as unscheduled checks based on public complaints.
He said sale of meat outside designated premises was strictly prohibited unless the seller adhered to CTC’s fixed rates. Though hygiene remained a key cause of concern for meat, chicken, and fish buyers, he claimed that current efforts were yielding encouraging results.
Disclosing that a sanitation team under CTC actively monitored waste management and cleanliness, with operations running from Monday to Saturday, the official acknowledged the vital role played by local residents, especially Naga mothers, in supporting and maintaining the local supply chain over recent years.
Despite working with a smaller budget, he stated that the CTC continued to make efficient use of available resources.
He mentioned that the market management team included one assistant and four support staff, divided into two groups for operational efficiency.
Though rate charts had been issued to all shops for price transparency, he admitted that compliance remained inconsistent despite repeated reminders.
He emphasised local pig farming to stabilise pork prices and reduce dependency on imports from outside. Encouraging locals to rear livestock, he maintained that this could make price control easier and foster local economic resilience.
He disclosed that a proposal for construction of a cold storage facility had been submitted in the past, though it had not materialised to date due to funding limitations. He urged the public to remain informed, choose wisely, and speak out.