Dimapur, August 3 (MExN): The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) issued a press release today to address recent confusion regarding its involvement in money collection and to affirm its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The DCCI clarified that it has never authorised business welfare bodies in various localities to collect money from the business community. To this end, the Chamber claimed that it had conducted voluntary membership registration and renewal drives twice in the last decade for statistical survey purposes, necessary for policy and decision-making at both government and DCCI levels.
Apart from these membership drives, the DCCI has not engaged in monthly or yearly collections, it said.
It further declared that the Chamber has neither authorised nor endorsed any business welfare union for such collections, nor solicited any contributions from these unions during its operations.
The DCCI also reminded the public and business community that there are many unauthorised unions and bodies, including colony councils, involved in money collection.
In regard to this, the DCCI urged the business community, public, and colony members to take the matter to the competent authority – the Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of Police, Dimapur – as all forms of collection have been banned by the Government. “Towards this, we assure full cooperation,” it added.
It further asserted that the DCCI has always stood against any form of taxation and collection and will steadfastly stand by its principles, assuring the business community and public that it will continue to fight against any form of illegal taxation and collection.
Multiple taxation directly affects the consumer and the public in general, stated the DCCI in a press release from its president, Akashe Zhimomi.
It also acknowledged the support from different civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations,and the business community.
