The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has urged the State Government to immediately constitute and operationalise Town Vending Committees (TVCs) across Nagaland and take action against alleged misuse of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, by certain private associations and organizations.
In a representation to the Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, CNCCI chairman, Dr Khekugha Muru and general secretary, Avi Chase expressed concern over the reported non-constitution or non-operationalisation of TVCs, stating that the situation had allegedly allowed certain private associations to exercise undue control over street vendors and business establishments.
The organisation alleged that such practices included demands for compulsory membership, unauthorised monetary fines and penalties, and directives requiring business establishments to remain closed on Sundays.
CNCCI pointed out that the Street Vendors Act, 2014, provides a statutory framework for protecting the livelihood of genuine street vendors, identifying vending zones and regulating street vending through legally prescribed mechanisms, including TVCs. It maintained that implementation of the Act must remain within the authority of competent statutory bodies and government agencies.
The Confederation urged the government to direct all Municipal and Town Councils to constitute and operationalise TVCs in accordance with the Act and applicable Nagaland rules. It also called for clearly defining and publicising their composition, powers and responsibilities, with prescribed representation of street vendors and other stakeholders.
Stressing the need for an effective grievance-redressal mechanism, CNCCI said street vendors and affected business establishments should be able to report coercion, unauthorised demands and other grievances without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
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While acknowledging the legitimate role of associations in representing their members, CNCCI stated that such representation should not be converted into coercive control over individuals or businesses. It urged the government to investigate complaints of forced membership, unauthorised financial demands, penalties and coercive directives, and take appropriate action wherever violations are established.
It also sought clear instructions to municipal and town councils, police and other concerned departments to prevent private associations from exercising regulatory or enforcement powers not legally conferred upon them. Any alleged violation, it said, must be dealt with by competent authorities through due process rather than private enforcement or arbitrary penalties.
On the issue of Sunday closures, CNCCI clarified that it neither endorsed nor opposed Sunday closure as a matter of principle. However, it maintained that any direction affecting the operation of business establishments must have a valid legal basis and be issued or enforced only by the competent authority in accordance with applicable law.
The organisation also urged the government to clarify through local newspapers the reported directives issued by certain associations regarding Sunday closures.
In its appeal, CNCCI sought time-bound directions to the Department of Urban Development and all municipal and town councils for the constitution of TVCs and establishment of grievance-redressal mechanisms. It further called for investigations and action against any organisation or association found exercising powers beyond its lawful jurisdiction.
