Newly elected members of Kohima Municipal council (KMC) were administered oath of affirmation at a ceremony held at Capital Convention Centre (CCC) here on Friday. The deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima Kumar Ramnikant administered the oath of affirmation to 19 elected members of the KMC.
Speaking at the programme, minister for women resource development and horticulture, Salhoutunuo Kruse, described the day as “historic” and said it was with much hurdle that the state government was able pass the Municipal Act and successfully conducted the ULB elections after two decades under the leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio with 33 percent women reservation.
Stating that Kohima Municipal council was at its nascent and transitional stage, the minister reminded the councillors that they now have a great responsibility ahead of them. “As mandated by the citizens of 19 wards, you represent the people in the municipality…. as councillors you are expected to be the bridge between the community and the council.”
Further, Kruse said that as councillors they were expected to observe and follow basic and general principles and work with integrity and vision.
“A vision for your ward, a vision for Kohima and a vision to set Kohima as a model municipal council,” she added.
The minister also said that councillors were the decision maker of their representative ward, adding that they need to provide services and facilities in a fair and sustainable way. Kruse emphasised on planning at the local level for the development and future needs of the area.
The minister assured that the government would also extend all possible assistance to develop and uplift the people and municipality.
In his speech, DC Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, congratulated the candidates and the people in-charge for the success of the election. Describing the occasion as “historic”, the DC said that the state was witnessing “phenomenal change” in the urban sector.
KMC administrator Lanusenla Longkumer chaired the programme, City church pastor Kedo Peseyie gave the invocation while EAC and assistant returning officer Dr.Riku Khutso proposed the vote of thanks. Pezielietsie CRC youth presented a special song.