The Mokokchung Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has officially submitted a set of detailed recommendations to the Office of the Commissioner of State Taxes, Nagaland, aimed at improving the Ease of Doing Business in the State, with special focus on Mokokchung and other remote districts. The submission follows the Commissioner’s call for inputs from business organisations and stakeholders on practical challenges faced in regulatory and compliance processes.
The MCCI emphasised the need for a district-specific Ease of Doing Business framework, noting that a uniform model does not adequately address the realities of remote districts. The chamber suggested that a framework be designed considering geography, connectivity, market access, and logistical constraints faced by upper Nagaland districts, including Mokokchung, Wokha, Zunheboto, Tuensang, Longleng, Shamator, Noklak, Kiphire, and Mon.
Recognising the interdependence of upper Nagaland districts on Upper Assam as a key trade corridor, the chamber recommended formal acknowledgment of this reality in policy planning. This includes facilitation of inter-state trade movement, coordination with Assam authorities, and simplification of compliance procedures for businesses sourcing goods from Assam.
To ease procedural and compliance challenges, the MCCI proposed strengthening local tax and compliance facilitation cells at the district level. Dedicated facilitation desks, regular helpdesks, awareness camps, and on-site grievance redressal mechanisms were recommended to assist businesses in navigating GST, state taxes, and regulatory requirements. Such measures are expected to reduce dependence on intermediaries, particularly in remote districts.
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While welcoming digitisation of tax and compliance systems, the chamber highlighted internet reliability issues in many remote areas. It suggested a hybrid system combining online platforms with offline or assisted filing facilities at district offices to ensure inclusivity and reduce compliance burden.
Addressing the specific needs of small businesses, the MCCI recommended simplified compliance for small and micro enterprises. Given that most businesses in remote districts are family-run or micro enterprises, the chamber suggested simplified return filing, reduced documentation, and extended timelines during peak seasons or periods of connectivity disruption.
The chamber also pointed out challenges related to logistics and transport costs, which are higher due to terrain and distance. It proposed logistics-related incentives, transport subsidies, or tax relief measures for businesses operating in upper Nagaland districts.
To enhance trade within the State, the MCCI recommended improved inter-district market linkages. Measures such as periodic trade fairs, procurement platforms, and buyer-seller meets could gradually integrate remote districts into the State’s internal market.
Capacity building and awareness were highlighted as key areas for intervention. The chamber suggested regular training programmes on taxation, compliance, and business regulations at the district level, conducted in coordination with chambers of commerce, to improve understanding and voluntary compliance.
The chamber also proposed a feedback loop and continuous consultation mechanism. Institutionalising periodic consultations with district-level business bodies, such as the MCCI itself, would ensure continuous feedback and help the department fine-tune policies based on evolving ground realities.
Finally, the MCCI recommended facilitating tourism through visitor-friendly Inner Line Permit (ILP) processes. Simplifying ILP issuance for tourists, either on arrival or through digital mechanisms, could encourage higher tourist inflow. This, in turn, would support local travel and hospitality sectors, create multiplier effects for small businesses, transport services, and local enterprises across Mokokchung and other upper Nagaland districts.
