NVCC struggles to increase membership

 

 

 

Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce (NVCC), which used to claim representation of more than 13 lakh traders spread across the region, seems to be struggling to take its total number of members to 2000. Despite launching a special drive for a period of three months starting from April, the 75-year-old body managed to attract less than 100 new members while only 600 to 700 members renewed their memberships. Though the office-bearers of the body expressed their inability to comment on the matter, sources told The Hitavada that NVCC has less than 800 members under its banner.

 

Realising this, the chamber on Tuesday once again appealed to the traders and businessmen to join the body to strengthen it. In a statement issued by the National Company Law Tribunal-appointed Administrator U C Nahta on Tuesday, the chamber urged the existing but inactive members to renew their membership. The Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce’s (NVCC) had launched a special membership renewal drive from April to June. The drive will conclude on June 30. Sources also said that the NVCC may further extend the drive for 15-30 days so that it could attract more traders in coming days. The new traders, exporters, businessmen and firms may apply for the membership of the body. In addition to this, members whose membership had lapsed, may also pay the outstanding dues and renew it. The renewal charges are Rs 312 (plus 18% GST) per year.

 

It is important to note that many existing members had alleged the former President of NVCC Ashwin Mehadia of denying them the opportunity to renew their membership. There were also allegations that Mehadia had renewed membership of only those who favoured him. Besides, there were many other allegations against Mehadia following which the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had dissolved the executive body of NVCC and appointed an administrator. The administrator was appointed following a petition filed by a group of former office-bearers and past presidents of the body. The NVCC, a not-for-profit company formed under section 8 of the Companies Act, is one of the oldest and biggest bodies of traders of the region. The body claims to have representation of more than 13 lakh traders spread across the region.