DIMAPUR — Advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, on Thursday inaugurated the office of Medziphema Town Council (MTC) at City Centre in Medziphema town in the presence of MTC councilors, administrative officers, various head of departments, members from NGOs and the residents.
Speaking on the occasion, Rio encouraged MTC councilors to have unity and carry forward in developing Medziphema town as a model for all the Nagas keeping in mind the interest of the public. He also reminded them that as leaders, they have to educate the public and not to divide in the lines of ‘isms’ stated an update from MTC.
The advisor lamented that while Nagaland is above the national literacy rate in education, the mindset and way of life of Nagas is lower than the states with lower literacy rate.
He informed that the government is studying techniques on management of urban local bodies (ULB) seats and reminded that accurate census should be made in towns as ULB seats will be increased or decreased as per census. He also expressed regret on the use of 2001 census till date, which was inaccurate and that funding and budget are still being done basing on the census which affects the whole state budget.
The advisor also cautioned that the chairpersons of ULB along with executive officers could be held responsible for any discrepancies and mismanagement of funds and further warned that special grants would be stopped to those erring ULB.
He also reminded of the great expectations the public has on ULB and assured to extend all necessary help to the ULB if they continue to perform well and responsibly.
The program was chaired by Abei Thepa, chairman of MTC, and Adechoyi Rose, pastor of Chakhesang Baptist Church, said the invocation prayer. The welcome address was delivered by Asazo Talie, councilor of Ward-5, while short speeches were delivered by Mestilhoukho Kuotsu, chairman of Medziphema village council, and Akhoto Kuotsu, president of Medziphema Mechü Krotho, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Teneikuolie Krose, councilor of Ward-9.