A two-day orientation workshop for Elected Members of the Urban Local Bodies commenced at Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima, on 9th August 2024.
Speaking at the inaugural session as the chief guest, Advisor of the Urban Development & Municipal Affairs Department, Zhaleo Rio, expressed gratitude to tribal organizations, CSOs, political parties, and others for coming together in unity to frame the new Municipal Act 2023. He highlighted the significance of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and the adoption of the Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA), noting that the unprecedented growth of urban centers (Towns & Cities) across the country led to the adoption of the 74th Constitution Amendment Act 1992 by the Government of India, with the primary objective of empowering ULBs to better manage urban growth. Consequently, Nagaland adopted the Act with 39 ULBs—3 Municipal Councils and 36 Town Councils.
The Advisor mentioned that the establishment of various sub-committees was intended to ensure the effective functioning of ULBs, generate revenue through coordinated efforts, maintain accountability and transparency, and strive towards self-reliance in providing basic amenities and functioning as Local Self-Governments. In addition to being self-reliant, he emphasized that ULBs should aim for self-sustainability by focusing on their primary goals, such as revenue collection from permissible items under the Municipal Act, 2023. He urged members to educate citizens on cleanliness, safe waste disposal, and the development of civic sense, as well as to support and cooperate with ULB instructions and directives. He also encouraged the elected members to visit and inspect their respective ULB jurisdictions, identify areas for revenue generation, plan processes, and pursue development.
The first session covered topics including the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, the Roles & Responsibilities of ULBs in the context of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023, and Finance Commission Grants with a special focus on the 15th FC Grants, presented by Resource Person Temjenrenla Kechü, Joint Director. The second session discussed Municipal Taxation and Fees, and Own Revenue Sources, presented by G.W. Lee, Retd. Director (T&A), Member Secretary, Third Nagaland State Finance Commission. The third session was led by State Mission Directors on AMRUT, SBM(U), NULM, and ADB-assisted Projects. The workshop concluded with a Q&A and interaction session.
On the second day, the workshop presentations will cover topics on PMAY(U), 15th FC Health Grants, and the Memorandum to the 16th Finance Commission from ULBs—Joint Consultations to discuss their aspirations and proposals to be incorporated in the memorandum. The resource persons for these sessions will be Dy Director & SNO, Kevilenuo Solo; Dy Director, PMAY(U), Wachusie Katiry; and Reny Wilfred, IAS, Joint Secretary, Finance Department. There will also be a Q&A and interaction session, along with feedback from councilors—both female and male.
The two-day workshop is attended by elected members from Dimapur, DMC, CTC, Medziphema TC, East Dimapur TC, Niuland TC, Peren TC, Jalukie TC, Tening TC, Tuli TC, Mangkolemba TC, and Bhandari TC.