Under Nagaland Urban Infrastructure Development project, the department of Urban Development, Government of Nagaland organised a one day Capacity Building Programme for the Town Councillors at DC conference hall on 14th November 2024.

Team leader, SMEC India Pvt. Ltd., Rajbir Das, giving the background of the orientation event stated that, the objective of organising the programme was to equip the newly elected members/councillors with necessary knowledge and skills so that they become productive and efficient enabling them to understand the governance of municipal body.

Further, he observed that through such continued capacity building, the elected representatives will be acquainted about their roles and responsibilities with respect to municipal policy making, planning, decision making, execution of service delivery and resource mobilization to undertake the roles and functions smoothly.

Bimal Jha (Expert & Economist) SMEC, highlighted on the roles and responsibilities of ULBs related to wards, basics of Urban Planning and budgeting, financial stability and resources mobilization by ULBs. Dwelling on the importance of empowered ULBs for empowered citizen living in urban centres, he maintained that they serve as the primary point of contact for citizens and are responsible for ensuring delivery of utility services including waste management, sanitations, urban planning and many other activities which need to be undertaken by the elected members.

He further highlighted on topics like, institutional arrangement of urban utility services in Nagaland, Policy & Regulatory Environment in Nagaland, functions of ULB/ Nagaland Municipal Act, legislative procedures in ULB, SWOR analysis and key roles and responsibilities of elected ward councillors.

Earlier, ADC & Executive Officer, Wokha Town Council, Renbomo Ezung welcomed the participants and highlighted about the objectives and aims of conducting the one day capacity building programme for the councillors.