Nagaland traders body threatens closure of business activities over multiple taxations

DIMAPUR: The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CNCCI) threatened indefinite voluntary closure of all business activities across Nagaland if the State government failed to address the issue of multiple taxations. It also warned to take recourse to legal remedies over the issue.

Multiple taxations by various Naga political groups (NPGs) besides the taxes imposed by government agencies, including municipal and town councils, have burdened the business community and made it difficult for them to engage in any meaningful business activities, CNCCI chairman Dr Khekugha Muru and general secretary Dr Seyievilie Mor said in representation to Nagaland Chief Secretary  J Alam said.

The traders body said despite this issue being flagged on several occasions, the government seemed to be in no mood to address it with seriousness.

Pointing out that the issue was again raised by its confederating unit, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI), through the local media, the CNCCI said the taxation issue is not limited to Dimapur district alone but it is affecting the entire business community of the State.

In its three-point representation, the CNCCI demanded that the State government exhibit its will and immediately address the issue and intimate the business community accordingly. It also sought immediate stoppage of the item tax, fee collected on items that come under GST regime by various municipal and town councils as the GST has subsumed all other taxes under “One Nation, One Tax”.

It also demanded an immediate stop to other taxes levied at various gates by government departments/agencies falling under the GST regime.

Reiterating that it is the apex chamber of commerce representing 11 district chambers of commerce and industries and business community of the State, the CNCCI called for immediate implementation of Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest (SARFAESI) Act.

It appreciated the State government for tabling the Act in Nagaland Assembly during the last winter session and for forming a committee. However, it expressed dismay that the legislation was not endorsed in the monsoon session.

It demanded convening of a special Assembly session for immediate implementation of the SARFAESI Act.

The CNCCI also sought to point out that the business community is now facing more hardship as many banks have stopped giving fresh loans or fresh enhancement even on cadastral land despite the chief secretary’s order of May 12. It said it expected the government to be a facilitator and not a stumbling block for the business community and educated unemployed youths.