Addressing the inaugural programme of the two-day orientation workshop, held on Tuesday at Capital Convention Hall, Kohima, for the recently elected councillors within the state though marred by non-participation from the Eastern Nagaland districts, Rio emphasized the importance of ULBs for the development and progress of the urban areas.
By Imna Longchar, TFM, Nagaland Correspondent
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday has said that the elected members of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) or the Town Councils (TCs), as a councillor has “critical” role to play while facing many challenges in their endeavours in executing their duties in shaping the “futuristic” of the cities and towns.
Addressing the inaugural programme of the two-day orientation workshop, held on Tuesday at Capital Convention Hall, Kohima, for the recently elected councillors within the state though marred by non-participation from the Eastern Nagaland districts, Rio emphasized the importance of ULBs for the development and progress of the urban areas. He acknowledged the critical role and challenges that the ULBs play in shaping the future of the cities and towns.
Being a councillor and the backbone of the local governance, directly connecting with the local populace, and in addressing the every day needs and concerns, the Nagaland chief minister congratulated all the ward councillors and encouraged them to give their best in ensuring and delivering essential services while promoting sustainable development of the towns as the dedication and commitment demonstrated in roles are vital to the well-being of communities.
3rd Tier Government in its truest sense
Stating that after almost two decades, Nagaland has an opportunity to have “3rd Tier Government” in its truest sense for ushering grassroot democracy and involving communities in development, Rio diplomatically mentioned that as the Nagas forward despite the many challenges to be faced with in terms of resource constraints and limited scope of revenue, he categorically said that his government’s vision is for development of the urban areas which should be centred around
sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, while aiming to create cities that leverage innovations supported by technology to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
Rio said unlike the other Local Self Governments (LSGs) in the country which are self-sufficient with majority of their revenue being derived from Property Tax, the states’ Urban Local Bodies are limited due to its local conditions, however, it is the collective responsibilities to find alternative solutions in making the local bodies sustainable by citing that 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 permissible.
As an Urban Local Body, the primary function is good governance and delivery of public service to its citizens, urged all the Urban Local Bodies to strive in fulfilling the basic function and for which he assured for his fullest support
Balance Sheets of ULBs revenue in Nagaland spent on salaries/wages
Observing that the balance sheets of the ULBs in Nagaland that a major portion of revenue income earned by the larger ULBs are being spent towards payment of salaries/ wages of the ULB staffs, Neiphiu Rio felt that it is a “severe case” ‘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. This trend needs to be discontinued since it negates the already limited Revenue Income of the ULBs.
In this regard, he urged the responsible elected representatives not to view the ULBs as employment agencies but to be frugal in proposing for employment of workforce.
It is crucial to rationally identify the right number and quality of workforce to capacitate your ULB in functioning effectively with minimal administrative and office expenses. Govt has released the Old/ previous liability of Kohima and Dimapur of five month’s salary amounting to the tune of Rs. 7.76 crores, he disclosed.
Understanding the present situation where most of the ULBs are even without a designated office building, he 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. Moreover, the same requirement has been reflected by the 3rd State Finance Commission in its report and provision for construction of ULB office building would 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.