A two-day orientation workshop for Elected Members of the Urban Local Bodies which commenced at Niathu Resort, Chumoukedima on 9th August, 2024.
Speaking at the inaugural session as chief guest, Advisor, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs Department, Zhaleo Rio thanked the tribal organisation/CSO's, political parties and others for coming together in one accord and in framing a new Municipal Act 2023. He highlighted the significance of ULB & adoption of NMA said that the unprecedented growth of urban centres (Towns & Cities) taking place all over the country has led to the adoption of 74th Constitution Amendment Act 1992 by the GoI, with primary objective being to empower the ULBs in better management of urban growth. Consequently, Nagaland adopted with 39 ULBs- 3 Municipal Council and 36 Town Councils.
The Advisor mentioned that setting of various sub- committees was for functioning of ULBs to generate revenues through a joint coordinated efforts for accountability and transparency and also to be self- reliant and provide basic amenities/facilities and functions as Local Self-Government. Besides self-reliant body, he added that the ULBs should strive towards self-sustainable by focussing on primary goals of ULBs by Revenue collection permissible items according to Municipal Act, 2023. He called on them to educate the citizens of their respective ULBs in cleanliness/ safe disposal of waste and to develop civic sense and support and cooperate with the ULBs instruction and directives. He also urged the elected members to carry out visit/inspection to ULBs jurisdiction and take stock of things to do by identifying areas for revenue generation, planning process, development.
In the first session the topics discussed were 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 presented by Resource person, Temjenrenla Kechü, Joint Director. In the second session topic - Municipal Taxation and Fees, Own Revenue Sources presented by G.W. Lee, Retd. Director (T&A), Member Secretary, Third Nagaland State Finance Commission. In the third session topic presented by State Mission Directors on AMRUT, SBM(U), NULM, ADB assisted Projects. The workshop concluded with Q&A and interactions session.
On the second Day, the workshop presentation will be on the topics on PMAY(U), 15th FC Health Grants and Memorandum to the 16th Finance Commission from ULBs- Joint Consultations to discuss on their aspirations and proposals to be incorporated in the memorandum, where the resource persons will be Dy Director & SNO, Kevilenuo Solo; Dy Director, PMAY(U) Wachusie Katiry and Reny Wilfred, IAS, Joint Secretary, Finance Department. Also there will be Q&A and Interactions Session as well as Feedback from Councillors - Female Councillor and Male Councillor respectively.
The two day-workshop is attended by elected members from Dimapur; DMC, CTC; Medziphema TC; East Dimapur TC; Niuland TC; Peren TC; Jalukie TC; Tening TC; Tuli TC; Mangkolemba TC; Bhandari TC.
(Tovikali, IA Chumoukedima)
