The Nagaland government has clarified that it has not made any assurance– verbal or written to the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) regarding the appointment of its members as nominee to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), contrary to claims made by CNCCI.
This clarification comes in response to CNCCI chairman Dr. Khekugha Muru’s assertion that the state government had given a written assurance to include members from the District Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) as nominee members in the ULBs.
When contacted, minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs and government spokesperson, K.G. Kenye, categorically denied any such commitment. “There has been no assurance, either verbal or written, made by the state government to the CNCCI regarding the inclusion of their nominee in any ULB. This needs to be clearly understood by all concerned,” Kenye asserted.
The minister’s clarification seeks to address any miscommunication and emphasized that the government remains open to dialogue with stakeholders.
As published on May 6, during a state cabinet meeting held on April 30, the government had approved a provision whereby one representative from the respective DCCIs would be included as a “special invitee” in ULB meetings—strictly limited to instances where discussions involved price regulations, availability of essential commodities, or when deemed appropriate by the council. However, these representatives would not be granted voting rights.
Meanwhile, in a letter dated May 17, 2025 addressed to CNCCI chairman Dr. Khekugha Muru, Kenye referred to a meeting held on May 16, at his office chamber with CNCCI representatives. He informed that he had apprised chief minister of CNCCI’s memorandums submitted to the state government at different levels.
“Your submission is well taken and will be considered for further deliberations by the Cabinet soon,” Kenye stated. He further requested CNCCI to be content with the current arrangement of being invited as “special invitees” to Urban Local Body (ULB) meetings, as per the recent state notification, until a new arrangement could be discussed and finalized.
In this regard, Kenye had requested CNCCI to call off the proposed shutdown to maintain conducive atmosphere in the State. However, despite the government’s appeal, CNCCI decided to go ahead with the shutdown, citing unmet demands for nominated representation of DCCIs in the ULBs.