Dimapur, August 31 (MExN): A section of Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) “allottees” under the aegis of ‘DMC Allottee Welfare Committee’ has once again expressed resentment over the order by the Advisory Committee, for an agreement between the DMC and them.
The newly-formed committee briefed the media today about the turn of events, following the DMC Chief Advisor’s statement made to a section of the media on Monday. “The Chief Advisor has used un-parliamentary language,” a member of the committee asserted. He claimed that the ‘so called’ Chief Advisor cannot override the office the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or issue official notifications without the knowledge of the CEO. “There will be no back show on the agreement,” DMC Chief Advisor had told the media on Monday.
At the time of filing this report, it was informed that the CEO has already signed the agreement this evening itself.
The committee representing “allottees” of New Market, Old Market, Hazi Park and Murgipatti, has unanimously decided to reject the order issued by DMC and termed it ‘illegal.’ “When the CEO is not aware of the deed, how can it be legal?” another member questioned.
He claimed that the role of the Advisory Board is to ‘aid and advice’ and not to take over the role of the CEO. He added that the government must spell out the exact functions of the DMC Advisory Committee.
The memorandum submitted to the CEO on Monday was also handed to the press. The committee has objected to the contents of the agreement and the signing authority. The memo stated ‘all allottees consenting to the terms and conditions stipulated in the allotment orders have deposited required fees and have been paying monthly rent in time.’
It added that the construction of all shops and stalls were at the expense of the allottees and the DMC has only provided space for the same. The memo further pointed out that some shops in New Market, for which construction fees were collected, was left incomplete and the allottees had to complete it at their expenses. The ultimatum for cancellation of allotments, failing to comply with the order, is coercive and against the provisions of the Indian Contract Act, the memo further stated. It also stated that any cancellation is a breach of agreement.
The committee members said except for Millennium market, all other shops and stalls located in different markets were built at their own expenses. Some even questioned the motive of the DMC for collecting 1500 rupees as deposit when that has already been paid at the time of allotment.
The committee has come out strongly against what they claimed is the “abuse of powers” by the DMC Advisory Committee.
The “allotees” have made clear they will not accept the order; however, would like to settle all matters amicably. They added that unlike claims by the Chief Advisor, there have been legal problems with regards to allotment in the past. Stating that the DMC may be compelled to ‘bring out skeletons form the cupboard’ is a direct confrontation, a member said. “The allotments have been made after the allottees agree to the terms and conditions and there have been no defaulters in the history of DMC,” the member added.
