Municipals and town councils to be constituted within a day or two: Rio

July 4, 2024 11 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 4

Buoyed by the ‘peaceful’ conduct of the 2024 urban local bodies (ULBs) elections in Nagaland, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today informed that the municipals and town councils will be constituted within a day or two.

The necessary formalities is being notified, he said, addressing a felicitation programme of ULBs elected councillors from Kohima and Chiephobozou, organised by NDPP Kohima Region in Kohima.

The civil polls for three municipals and 23 town councils in Nagaland were held on June 26 and the results were declared on June 29.

The government will provide orientation training to all the elected councillors to acquaint themselves with the function of ULBs, he said.

The Chief Minister also assured that the State Government will provide financial support to municipals and town councils for initial office set up.
The government will also provide State’s grant to ULBs for developmental activities, he said.

The ULBs will also receive funding from the Planning Commission, he added.

Rio further informed that the government is also mulling to upgrade ULB cell to a directorate.

No anti-defection for ULBs
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister noted that there is no anti-defection law for the ULBs at present.

However, the State Government will study the issue in line with some other states to maintain stability, he noted.

He further stated that whatever revenue generated by the concerned municipals or town councils, is for their respective town development, and not to State exchequer

The revenue can be used for the purpose of public park, beautification, streets lights, cleanliness, footpath etc, he added.

Rio also expressed happiness over the peaceful conduct of ULBs elections in Nagaland after a gap of almost two and halt decades.

“You are privilege to be elected to serve our people,” he told the elected councillors, adding, “Now, you are no more an ordinary person but you represent the people and you have earned the title of councillor.”

He assured that the government and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) party will work together with the elected councillors.
We must work in unison for social well being, he said.

Stresses strengthening regional party
Rio congratulated all the elected councillors from Kohima and Chiephobozou, adding that their victory has strengthened the NDPP party at the grassroot.

He also stressed on the need to strengthen regional party in Nagaland for protection of Naga identity.

Stating that a regional party like NDPP has its own principle, ideology and vision to protect and promote Naga history, culture and tradition, he asked the newly elected councillors to uphold the party principles to keep the Naga identity alive.

KMC’s oath of affirmation on July 5
The oath of affirmation to the newly elected members of Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) will take place on July 5 at 12 noon at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima.

Nagaland’s Women Resource Development & Horticulture Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse will deliver short speech.

Kohima deputy commissioner Kumar Ramnikant will deliver welcome address.

The programme will be chaired by KMC administrator T Lanusenla Longkumer.

Vote of thanks will be proposed by Dr. Riku Khutso, EAC and Assistant Returning Officer, KMC.

Rev. Kedo Peseyie, pastor City Church Kohima will invoke God’s blessings.