The Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce (NVCC) on Saturday issued a press statement saying that the membership of the traders who have not renewed it during the recently conducted drive will be terminated automatically. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) - appointed Administrator U C Nahata highlighted that the NVCC had launched a special drive for membership renewal in April 2023 for a specific period. Moreover, the duration of the drive was also extended on two occasions so that Vidarbha's biggest body could attract more members. The members whose membership had lapsed, were also given the opportunity to pay the outstanding dues and renew it. The renewal charges were Rs 312 (plus 18% GST) per year. Besides, the new traders, exporters, businessmen and firms were also offered membership by submitting the relevant documents and paying the applicable charges.

 

But the body, which used to claim representation of over 13 traders spread across the region, started witnessing fall in the membership a couple of years back allegedly due to a tussle between some of the former office-bearers. According to the sources, the trader’s body now has nearly 1050 active members. During its last elections, the body had nearly 800 active members. But when the NCLT - appointed Administrator took over the charge, some of the members were found bogus.

 

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) 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 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 more than 13 lakh members spread across the region.