Neiphiu Rio urges councillors to take charge of critical situations. He urged them to address immediate concerns including roads, waste management, and overall beautification of the “city” ahead of the festive season.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday expressed his concern towards transforming Dimapur, the only commercial hub of Nagaland into a more vibrant and self-sustaining urban hub for which he called upon all the newly-elected councillors to take and face the many challenges they may or might face during their tenure.
He said this after inaugurating the new office of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) at Forest Colony, Dimapur.
Disclosing that about Rs 36 crores have already been released by the state government for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Rio urged the councillors to address immediate concerns including roads, waste management, and overall beautification of the “city” ahead of the festive season.
Stating that the commitment of every individual to serve the people has begun, Rio expressed confidence in the councillor’s ability to handle the pressing issues being surrounded. The Nagaland state government has laid down the groundwork but assumed that it is now the responsibility of the councillors to “act swiftly” to make a visible impact, he added.
Rio also mentioned that even before additional funds sanctioned by the Union Ministry are received, the councillors should proactively propose solutions to tackle the most important issues.
He also disclosed that for dumping ground, 10.74 acres of land have already been acquired and the payment would be made including for East Dimapur, 9.81 acres of land have been identified.
Regarding the activities of the urban local bodies, he said that the state government has been trying to aid them in establishing offices while also citing that all municipal and town councils should have a master plan for the cities and towns.
Also informing that the matters have to be taken up to the 16th Finance Commission and the ministry concerned, the Nagaland chief minister has said that for the rural local bodies or “Panchayats”, Nagaland is exempted by the 73rd Amendment, however, for ULB through the 74th Amendment, Nagaland state is not exempted and therefore, one must follow the rules.
He later extended his gratitude towards the Nagas and its leaders for voicing their rights so that the most cherished 33 percent women reservation in the parliament and the assembly could be fruitful.
Rio added that even though there is 33 percent women reservation, the women folk also contested in the open where eight women were elected which narrates that the women folk are holding 37 percent instead of 33 percent which signifies that women should be respected.
Pointing out that there are 25 ULBs of which 14 are within the Eastern Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio however said that the state government has decided to share the “funding” that has come with the Eastern Nagaland.