DIMAPUR, MAY 21 (NPN): The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in a statement raised concerns over certain operational practices of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC).
Maintaining that it has always functioned as a responsible and constructive body, DCCI through its media cell stated that it had no intention of engaging in a blame game but found it necessary to issue clarifications “for the benefit of the public and consumers, to keep the record straight.”
While stating that it had made general observations regarding market conditions across the State, DCCI, however, said that the DMC chose to take ownership of the issue and now owed the public and consumers a greater explanation.
With regard to the status of elected representatives, the DCCI affirmed that it does not question their legitimacy and holds the office in high regard. However, it wished to remind DMC that holding elected office does grant the liberty to operate a public office in an arbitrary or self-styled manner. Public institutions, it said, must function in accordance the Nagaland Municipal Act, just as the Parliament, the highest decision-making body, functions within the constitutional and legal framework.
DCCI asked the DMC to clarify which section of the Municipal Act specifically permits sale of items such as stars, fire extinguishers, and dustbins.
Though appreciating DMC’s rejoinder by giving point by point clarification of their “Municipal Act” activities, DCCI said it took note of the Council’s admittance/apology, stating that the matter should have been properly monitored.
Responding to the rejoinder, DCCI highlighted certain anomalies affecting the business community. DCCI said that the trade license fee hike was meant to implement and fund website digitization and a mobile app. The chamber pointed out that this was discussed two years ago during an official meeting with the DMC CEO/Administrator, where even the sanitation and trade license fees were discussed and hike.
DCCI asked when the digitization would actually be implemented and also asked whether DMC was receiving any separate funding from the State government for such projects.
DCCI called out the contradiction of DMC enforcing safety regulations while simultaneously allowing vendors to sell on footpaths and over drainage slabs– spaces meant for pedestrian use– while also collecting taxes from them. It said this practice, which obstructs pedestrian pathways, undermined DMC’s own vision of turning Dimapur into a thriving metropolitan city.
DCCI alleged that in one ward, a councillor had appointed a caretaker with an official DMC ID card that collects Rs. 200 per shop every month in that ward. It demanded to know who issued this ID and whether the CEO, DMC chairman or the councillor had the authority to tax the business community.
Further, DCCI also pointed out the emergence of a new entity called “Regulation Fee” being imposed on traders and shops.
DCCI also said that it had come to learn from business community that the DMC was allegedly taxing goods already covered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) upon arrival from railway wagons, calling it blatantly illegal.
Referring to DMC’s statement, the trade body asked whether this was the Council’s vision “to make Dimapur urban area take its rightful place not only as the commercial capital but also a thriving metropolitan city in Nagaland.”
DCCI affirmed that it had only shared some of the grievances of the business community and would always be on the forefront, if it was for the betterment and growth of a better Dimapur city.
Meanwhile, DCCI expressed gratitude to all civil society organisations, welfare committees, business community and public of Dimapur for their support during the recent voluntary shutter down observed across nine districts under the aegis of CNCCI.
Sunday, February 22, 2026