The Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) issued a clarification on Monday in response to the press releases and allegations by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industries (DCCI) on trade license fees, sanitation fee and unauthorised syndication of market goods.
While the DMC left it to the government and public opinion on the issue of the indefinite shutter down, it issued the statement in order to “put them in perspective in the interest of transparency and governance”.
Trade license fee and related charges
In a recent press release, the DCCI had alleged on the “illogical” escalation in trade license fees, and the imposition of a “new variety” of fees despite businesses already possessing valid trade licenses.
“Trade licence fee was marginally increased for digitalization of all data and services to be provided to the vendors in the form of online apps, revival of website and online payment facilities from trade license fees only excluding the sanitation fee (for commercial establishment). DMC introduced a nominal fee to the wholeseller’s for price regulation in the market. This was done in accordance with the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023, Part-IV Chapter 1 clause 124,” stated the DMC.
If any other elements/group imposing any fee without the authorization, DMC asserted that it cannot be held responsible. It also reiterated that no entity/group/union etc can impose taxes or fees for license/permit/commodities within DMC without its authorization.
“Only the DMC is legally empowered as per the Nagaland Municipal Act to collect specific taxes/fee for permits/ commodities within its jurisdiction. Therefore, any other elements/group other then DMC will be deemed illegal,” stated the DMC.
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Issue of sanitation fee (RSF)
Regarding sanitation fee, the DMC clarifies that it was compelled to marginally raise the fee from Rs.60 to Rs.80 in view of catering to the need for expanded area of operations and provide efficient services.
On the imposition of lease on items such as mineral water, potato, tomato, dry fish etc, and accompanying price rise, DMC maintained that it has not authorized or permitted syndication of items. It reaffirmed that it stands for the welfare of the public who voted for the councilors to form the DMC. “Therefore, DMC stands opposed to such unauthorized collection or syndication of market that impact not only the local farmers but the Naga entrepreneurs and public,” it attested.
On allegations over the “controversial sale of items like Christmas Star, dustbin and fire extinguisher by ULBs, and reminder that the role of the ULBs was to govern locally and regulate and not become business enterprises, the DMC clarified, “DMC would like to set the record straight that the sale of Christmas star, dustbins and fire extinguishers was done through a transparent manner and in accordance with NMA 2023”.
However, it also acknowledged that the entire issue should have been properly monitored.
“We appreciate the advice given to DMC to run its affairs. However, it needs to be reminded that we the elected councillors who have obtained the mandate of the public, seek cooperation from all sections of society in order to make Dimapur urban area take its rightful place not only as the commercial capital but also a thriving metropolitan city in Nagaland. Furthermore, for any clarification, the office of the DMC and its councillors can be contacted at its office,” expressed the DMC.
