Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayats seek clarification on ‘ward committees’ term in Nagaland cabinet decision

DIMAPUR — The Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayats (AKMWP) has written to the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima seeking clarification on the term “ward committees” as used in a cabinet decision dated July 11, 2024.

The association expressed concern that the term is vague and could be interpreted to include various non-profit and non-governmental organisations within the jurisdiction of the Urban Local Body (ULB).

The AKMWP’s letter referred to a cabinet decision that stated that “in case of any other bodies duplicating functions of elected councillors such as town GBs/ward committees, the department should initiate necessary action to disband/phase out such bodies.”

In this connection, it argued that the term “ward committees” is unclear and “can mean many non profit and nongovernmental organisation in the jurisdiction of the ULB.”

Further clarifying that the wards/town councils were formed as non-profit, non-governmental organisations, duly registered with the Registrar of Societies, it said that these councils were mandated by the citizens of their respective wards/colonies for the overall development and welfare of the community.

“At no point of time were we appointed by the Nagaland Government or any other authority,” it asserted.

In light of these points, the association demands an early clarification of the term “ward committees” in the cabinet decision for the benefit of all concerned parties.

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