The Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) has highlighted key initiatives undertaken since assuming office, emphasizing in frastructure development, revenue generation, and regulatory measures to improve the town’s administration.
Challenges in transitioning to the new system
MMC Chairman Imkongchuba stated that transitioning into office was a challenge as the council had to familiarize itself with the municipal system. “The system was new for us… we knew what a municipality was, but the system was entirely new, so it took us three to four months to understand how it works. We assumed office mid-year, meaning the budget had already been laid out. So, we initially worked under the administration’s framework.”
Healthcare and infrastructure upgrades
According to Deputy Chairman Lanuakum, the council has prioritized healthcare upgrades using grants from the 15th Finance Commission. “So far, what we have done is… from the 15th Finance Commission, we received a health grant, and with that, we are upgrading six sub-centres in Mokokchung—Sungkomen, Alempang, Salangtem, Aongza, Marepkong, and Kumlong. Some of these upgradations have already been completed.”
He further noted that MMC, in collaboration with the health department, has undertaken infrastructure upgrades, including room extensions, restrooms, labor rooms, and the procurement of computers, refrigerators for medicine storage, and generators. “During COVID, proper health services could not be provided, so we saw the need to upgrade.”
Market development and revenue generation
The council has completed the Old Town Hall Bazaar project, which was previously stalled due to financial constraints. “The Old Town Hall Bazaar had already begun but was not completed. With financial assistance, it is operational now,” Lanuakum said. To boost local commerce, MMC launched the ‘Thursday Bazaar’ where wet markets and basic needs are available. Additionally, office renovations were carried out, and a 5.5 kV solar lighting system was installed in the MMC office complex.
To enhance revenue, MMC has implemented entry fees on non-GST items and initiated protective measures for the landfill site, including fencing to prevent waste contamination.
Councilor Imtiyapang stated that the Old Town Committee office is undergoing renovation and that traffic regulation remains a major focus. “Very soon, the interstate and intrastate transport will be shifted to the ISBT, most probably by the first week of April. We are working on it and want complete cooperation from the general public. It takes time to shift to a new system.”
Labor and market rate regulations
In an effort to regulate labor rates, MMC is working on setting fixed wages for porters and laborers. “We have talked with the porters. Very soon, a rate will be made for them, and under strict rules, they will be regulated. The rate for porters has not been fixed for a very long time, and they are now charging as they wish. According to our report, there are about 400+ porters in town. Some of them are not enrolled, some are new, so we are taking a census and streamlining the system.”
Further, MMC has emphasized hygiene standards among street vendors. “We have emphasized that tea vendors and other street vendors must wear gloves and head coverings, and we have stated that fines will be imposed if they violate such rules. Very soon, they will have a uniform. We have informed them, but it takes time,” Lanuakum said. Barber shops are also under hygiene regulation, and market rates will be displayed publicly for transparency. “We have enhanced barber rates; We are emphasizing that they maintain cleanliness and hygiene.”
“Rate concessions are made according to the market. We have regulated more than four times. We compare it with ‘Sabji Mandi’ in Nagaon, Jorhat, Mariani, and at a mid-point, we regulate the price. Very soon, we will have the market rates pasted on the price board in shops under MMC. In the meantime, other property assets, grievance cell, and building committee matters are all being worked on. At one go, nothing can be implemented, and many nitty-gritty things must be considered.”
Collaborations and future plans
MMC is working with the PHED and Health & Family Welfare departments to establish a water testing lab to ensure safe drinking water. “At present, the municipal does not have a lab, so we are working in collaboration with PHED and Health and Family Welfare to test the water,” Lanuakum added.
Chairman Imkongchuba acknowledged financial limitations but assured efforts toward better services. “The government funding is very limited. It’s just a grant-in-aid. The resources that we get are very small, but we are trying our best to provide the best service to the people of Mokokchung.”
The council has also engaged with the Lika (Land Owners) Board of Mokokchung, Ungma, and Khensa villages to strengthen governance. “We have been sitting with the three Lika Board—Mokokchung, Ungma, and Khensa—and have highlighted things that need to be done with them while seeking cooperation. We have been maintaining a good relationship with them,” Imtiyapang noted.