KMC leadership election now up to councillors: Zhaleo Rio

Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, has disclosed that the resignation process of Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) chairman and deputy chairman was proceeding strictly as per the provisions of the Municipal Act, stressing that the onus now lay on the councillors to elect a new leader in accordance with due procedure.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event here on Thursday, the advisor stated that the state government has already agreed to fulfil its obligations under the Act. “It is now left to the councillors. They have to elect a new leader,” he said, stressing the importance of following legal and procedural norms.
On the issue of pending salaries for municipal employees, Zhaleo disclosed that prior to the long-delayed municipal elections, held after nearly 20 years, the government had provided one-time financial assistance to both KMC and Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) to clear salary arrears and enable the councils to begin operations on a clean slate.
He revealed that after discussions with the chief minister, the government sanctioned a little over Rs. 5 crore to DMC and more than Rs. 3 crore to KMC specifically for settling employee dues.
However, the advisor expressed serious concern that similar financial difficulties had re-emerged within just a few months.
“This government cannot tolerate,” Zhaleo Rio asserted. While clarifying that he currently has no concrete proof of wrongdoing, Zhaleo Rio informed that the department has already directed the councils to submit detailed reports on their revenue generation, expenditure patterns, and overall financial management.
“We are going into the depth of this. If funds have been misused, the department will conduct inquiries,” he assured.
Rio emphasised that Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) must strengthen their own internal revenue generation mechanisms rather than relying repeatedly on one-time government grants.
He noted that ULBs receive grants-in-aid from the state government based on available resources and additional funding under the 15th Finance Commission from the Centre, but true sustainability depends on efficient self-generated revenue. “It is how they manage. There should be transparency and accountability. They should not run into deficit,” he said.
He added that if established ULBs like DMC, KMC, or MMC cannot remain financially viable, there was clearly something amiss in their internal management.
The advisor reiterated that the department has already sought comprehensive reports on revenue streams and monthly expenditures from the councils to thoroughly assess their fiscal health and enforce greater discipline and accountability moving forward.