The two day orientation program for elected councillors began today at the Capital Convention Centre Kohima which will continue till August 7 .
“As we move forward, despite the tremendous challenges we are faced with in terms of resource constraints and limited scope of revenue, our vision for development of our urban areas should center around sustainability/ inclusivity, and innovation supported by technology to improve quality of life for all citizen where anti-defection law are existing,” said Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio who graced the occasion.
The Chief Minister highlighted the limitations of Nagaland’s Urban Local Bodies due to local conditions unlike other Local Self Governments in the country which are self-sufficient with majority of their revenue being derived from Property Tax. However, Rio urged the Councillors that it is a collective responsibility to find alternative solutions in making the local bodies in Nagaland sustainable. “One way of doing that is by way of focusing more on creating revenue-generating assets such as Market Complexes, Multi-purpose Halls, Recreational Parks, Car Parking spaces, ULB owned Hotels, etc. with the Grant-in-Aids from the Central/as well as State Government wherever permissibl,” cited Rio.
The Chief Minister also stressed that as an Urban Local Body, the primary function is good governance and delivery of public service to citizens, and therefore he urged all the ULBs to strive for fulfilling the basic function and for which he assured his full support.
“It is observed from the Balance Sheets of the ULBs in Nagaland that a major portion of Revenue Income learned by the larger ULBs are being spent towards payment of salaries/ wages of the ULB staffs. This is a severe case of ‘Disguised Unemployment’ where part of work force is either left without work or is working in a redundant manner such that productivity is essentially nil,” mentioned Rio who stated the need to discontinue such trend as it negates the already limited revenue income of the ULBs. He also urged the respected elected representatives not to view the ULBs as employment agencies but to be frugal in proposing for employment of workforce. In this regard, the CM stressed to rationally identify the right number and quality of workforce to manage administrative and office expenses.
Rio informed that the government has released the previous liability of Kohima and Dimapur of five months Salary amounting to Rs. 7.76 crores.
Considering the present situation where most of the ULBs are without a designated Office Building, Rio informed that he had committed for a One-Time Grant for enabling the elected ULBs to set-up a working space, either in an existing Government Building or a rented place stating that the same requirement has been reflected by the 3rd State.
“The Finance Commission in its report and provision for Construction of ULB Office Building will be made available either from Central or State Government. A proposal for One-Time Special Grant for various priority requirements of the ULBs has also been submitted to the Central Government. The challenges we face in urban governance are complex and multifaceted and it requires a collaborative approach involving the government, private sector, civil society, and the citizens,” said Rio who urged all to work closely with all stakeholders to create a synergistic environment that fosters growth and development.
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The CM also elaborated on the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Ease of Living Index, annual report to rank the most livable cities in India. As per the 2018 Ease of Living Index, Kohima ranks as the second most unliveable city at 110 and Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh ranks in the 106th most unliveable city.
“The road ahead is challenging, but I am confident that together, we can transform our cities into vibrant, and prosperous urban centers,“ Rio expressed, He hope that with good practice they will commit to building a future where every citizen feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive.
Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Retd.), Honorable Advisor for UD & MA, delivered the opening remark while IPoS Commissioner & Secretary Municipal Affairs Department &UDD Kekhrievor Kevichusa, gave the welcome address. Sr. Pastor, Faith Harvest Church Shan Kikon blessed the program with invocation.
Solesul Tholre Additional Director & HoD, Directorate of Municipal Affairs pronounced the vote of thanks.
Resource person Temjenrenla Kechü,Joint Director spoke on the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, Roles & Responsibilities of ULBs in context to the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023 Finance Commission Grants with special focus on 15th FC Grants while G.W. Lee, Retd. Director (T&A), Member Secretary shared on Third Nagaland State Finance Commission Municipal Taxation and Fees, Own Revenue Sources.
