Kohima: The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry wants the state government to activate Town Vending Committees across the region. Private associations are allegedly hijacking the Street Vendors Act of 2014. They are imposing fines and forcing shop closures on Sundays. These groups act without legal standing. CNCCI General Secretary Avi Chase and Chairman Dr. Khekugha Muru sent a formal letter to the Chief Secretary on October 27.
The current lack of official oversight leaves a power vacuum. Private bodies now demand mandatory memberships and hand out unauthorized penalties to businesses. The CNCCI demands the government step in. They insist that all Municipal and Town Councils must define the composition and powers of these committees immediately. "The implementation of the Act must remain within the authority of competent statutory bodies and government agencies," the group stated in their letter.
Registered vendors deserve clear protection under the law. The CNCCI also wants an accessible way for businesses to file complaints against these associations. No private group has the right to enforce rules or demand cash from traders. The organization argued that police and local councils need to stop these groups from overstepping. "Any alleged violation of the law should be dealt with through due process by the competent authority, rather than through private enforcement, intimidation or arbitrary penalties," the CNCCI noted.
Business owners want an end to the confusion. The government must confirm if Sunday closure mandates actually carry legal weight. The CNCCI expects the Department of Urban Development to act quickly. They want a full investigation into any group acting like a government agency without the proper authority.
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