Morung Express News
DIMAPUR | JULY 16
Municipal and town councils of Nagaland have suggested setting up of a separate directorate under the state Urban Development department for better and smooth functioning of the civic bodies.
Advisory members of two municipal councils and 16 town councils at a joint coordination meeting held at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, on Friday also deliberated on the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001.
Talking to mediapersons on the sideline of the meeting, senior municipal advisors were of the view that the civic bodies would be able to function better under a separate directorate. Presently, the affairs and functioning of the civic bodies is looked after by a cell under the Urban Development.
However, the senior advisors including chief advisor of Dimapur Municipal Council, Er. K Keditsu, convenor of Kohima Municipal Council, Er. Y Chuba Ao, chief advisor of Zunheboto Town Council, Huskha Yepthomi and DMC advisor and former DC Dimapur, Imkongtemsu, said that this was just as “suggestion” and not a “demand.”
On the Municipal Act 2001 relating to the role and function of the advisors, the members (government nominees) felt that it was left “implicit” and in a “grey area” and suggested suitable amendments.
It is reported that there have been misunderstanding and tussles between the municipal bodies and administration due to the “grey area.”
Members at the coordination meeting, the first after the government nominated members temporarily took over the reins of the civic bodies as advisors following deferment of municipal and town council elections, also agreed to give emphasis on sanitation, creating awareness on civic sense and beautification of respective towns.
The members further resolved to prove themselves worthy of the confidence reposed on them by the government.
Besides sharing of experiences and work activities, the meeting also resolved to adopt uniform designations.
It may be mentioned that DMC is headed by a chief advisor whereas KMC is headed by a convenor.
The term of the advisors of municipal and town council will expire after six months as per the Municipal Act 2001.
Except for Mokokchung, Longleng and Naginimora, all other municipal and town councils attended the meeting.
