State chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said that while the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) focused on the development of towns and cities, the councillors were the backbone of local governance, directly connecting with people to address daily concerns.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day orientation programme for elected councillors at Capital Convention Centre here on Tuesday, the chief minister said after almost two decades, the state was having a true 3rd tier government for ushering grassroots democracy and involving communities in development.
“As we move forward, despite the tremendous challenges we are faced with in terms of resource constraints and limited scope of revenue, our vision for development of our urban areas should be centred around sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation supported by technology to improve quality of life for all citizens,” Rio said.
Unlike other local self-governments in the country, which were self-sufficient with majority of their revenue being derived from property tax, the chief minister said Nagaland’s urban local bodies were limited due to local conditions.
However, he said it was collective responsibilities to find alternative solutions in making the state’s local bodies sustainable. “One way of doing that is by way of focusing more on creating revenue-generating assets such as market complexes, multi-purpose halls, recreational parks, car parking spaces, ULB owned Hotels, etc. with the grants-in-aid from the central as well as state government wherever permissible,” the chief minister said.
Stating that the primary function of urban local body was good governance and delivery of public service to the citizens, Rio, therefore, urged all the urban local bodies to strive for fulfilling the basic function. The chief minister assured to extend his full support.
The chief minister said that observations from Nagaland ULBs’ Balance Sheets revealed a critical issue. He said that majority of revenue income earned by larger ULBs was spent on salaries, leading to ‘Disguised Unemployment.’ He said that elected representatives must therefore prioritize efficiency and rational workforce planning to cut administrative costs.
To empower the ULBs, the chief minister said he has committed for a One-Time Grant for establishing office spaces in existing government buildings or rented places.
He said that the 3rd State Finance Commission’s report backs this need, adding that a proposal for a One-Time Special Grant for ULB priorities was also submitted to the Centre.
Stating that the challenges faced in urban governance were complex and multifaceted, the chief minister it required a collaborative approach involving the government, private sector, civil society, and the citizens. Rio, therefore, urged all to work closely with all stakeholders to create a synergistic environment that fostered growth and development.
“The road ahead is challenging, but I am confident that together, we can transform our cities into vibrant, resilient and prosperous urban centres,” Rio said. He further expressed hope that with good practice they would commit to building a future where every citizen feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive.
In his opening remark, the advisor for urban development & municipal affairs, Zhaleo Rio, highlighted in brief the long and challenging journey the state had endured in ensuring the successful conduct of the ULB elections.
Zhaleo Rio suggested community-oriented development through joint discussions for economic growth and city development. He recommended that the councillors understand their fundamental roles and familiarize themselves with the functioning of ULBs. The advisor cautioned against letting election expenses cloud their judgment as it could lead them astray.
Earlier, commissioner & secretary municipal affairs department &UDD, Kekhrievor Kevichusa, delivered welcome address; Faith Harvest Church senior pastor Shan Kikon gave the invocation while
additional director & HoD, Directorate of Municipal Affairs, Solesul Tholre proposed the vote of thanks.
The program was followed by training and discussion on the following topics: 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, Roles & Responsibilities of ULBs in context to the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023
Finance Commission Grants with special focus on 15th FC Grants lead by joint director Temjenrenla Kechü followed by G.W. Lee, Retd. Director (T&A), Member Secretary on Third Nagaland State Finance Commission Municipal Taxation and Fees, Own Revenue Sources.