Dimapur, April 19 (MExN): The Churches Colony Council has reiterated and re-imposed its earlier ban on monthly collections by unions, associations, and self-styled groups within its jurisdiction, stating that such activities continue despite a prior directive issued in April 2023.
In a notice dated April 18, the Council that the decision was taken after reports that certain groups were still collecting money from residents and the business community.
The Council stated that “despite the previous directive, certain groups continue to carry out collections in the name of welfare, membership, maintenance, or other purposes, thereby causing inconvenience and undue burden to the residents and business community.”
The Council declared that “no individual, union, or association shall collect money in any form within the jurisdiction of Churches Colony,” adding that “any such collection activities, whether direct or indirect, are strictly prohibited.”
The latest order builds on the Council’s earlier resolution adopted during an executive meeting held on April 15, 2023, where it had decided “not to allow any person (s) or groups to operate associations or unions with some attractive and catchy names and collect money in the name of welfare, membership, office maintenance etc within its jurisdiction.”
At the time, the Council had also denounced “collection/donation by the so called self styled unions & associations,” stating that such practices were adding pressure on the business community. It noted that “Nagaland's business community, especially related to Dimapur is already over pressured with multiple taxation from all nooks and corners,” and that the rise of such groups had “added another torment on them.”
The 2023 resolution had further stated that “the monthly collections carried out by your office shall not be permitted within our jurisdiction with immediate effect,” while allowing that “if any member/well wishers from your association/union wishes to contribute willingly can do so by visiting your registered office.”
It also maintained that colony-level bodies were sufficient to address local issues, stating that “every colony has a Council Office, GB Office and Youth Body to look into its own affairs… and at such there is no need for any unions/organizations to interfere in the internal affairs of the respective colonies.”
In the latest notice, the Council directed all concerned to comply immediately, warning that “failure to adhere to this directive may invite necessary action as deemed appropriate by the Council legally.”
The Council stated that the move was aimed at safeguarding “the welfare and interests of the community.”
