Tribal certificate mandatory for business registration in Mizoram
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Aizawl, May 09 2014 : Mizoram Merchant Association (MIMA) has extended its support to NGO Co-ordination Committee which demands that 'Tribal Certificates' should be included in AMC Licensing Regulations as one of the requisite documents for business registration in Mizoram.

It further appealed again all entrepreneurs to refuse registration at Aizawl Municipality Council (AMC) .

NGO Co-ordination Committee had earlier this month submitted a petition to AMC demanding that 'Tribal Certificates' should be made mandatory for registration at AMC.

MIMA in a statement said that Mizoram is the only state among eight North Eastern states which needs protection in respect of trade and business.

"There is none to be feared in the way of safeguarding our land and no person should force us for assimilation", MIMA asserted.

MIMA has slammed AMC for its step for renewing old Trade License issued at the time when Mizoram was under District Council.

It said that the opportunity given by AMC to those Trade License holder to renew their already invalid license can create harm to Mizo nation as the many of the non-Mizo merchants are among the holders.

According to MIMA, there are only 6 persons who are in possession of Trade License in Aizawl city which is not practically allowed to pass on to other persons based on Power of Attorney.

MIMA further asked all to stand united in this fight.

It can be noted here that the AMC Licensing Regulation could not be enforced due to stiff oppositions from various organizations including Young Mizo Association (YMA), MZP, MSU and MIMA alleging that the Licensing Regulation does not envisage any provision for protection and safeguarding for the 'sons of the soil' .

Following this, the Aizawl Municipal Council (AMC) has accordingly made changes in the Regulation and now the Board meeting has decided to put the AMC Licensing Regulations, 2012, into effect after necessary changes incorporated in the regulations.

The resolution of the AMC Board of Councillors meeting under the leadership of AMC Chairman, CT Zakhuma reads, "The AMC notification which notifies for holding of license by the shops and other business establishments within Aizawl city, as per Licensing Regulations, 2012 and AMC Licensing (First Amendment) Regulations, 2013, may be followed as such" .

The Licensing Regulations is not a trade license, but is a restriction to business houses for the safety of the people and for their health in the wake of fast development of Aizawl city and the resultant traffic congestion or overcrowding thereof, BoC meeting explained.

In January this year, AMC CEO, M Zohmingthangi had, as per AMC Licensing Regulations, 2012, notified that business hubs and shops within Aizawl city must own license from AMC, mentioning the same would come into effect from January 5, 2014.As per the AMC Licensing Regulations, anyone intending to open shops or other business enterprises within the area of AMC, will now have to first obtain license from AMC, and will also need to pay licence fee annually.

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