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DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced that the Nagaland government is exploring the creation of a dedicated Directorate for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). This initiative, he stated, aims to enhance efficiency and provide better support to elected ULB representatives.
He made this announcement on Friday during an NDPP event felicitating newly elected councillors of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC), at Zone Niathu by The Park, Chümoukedima.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening the ULBs, particularly as the state government prepares to release grants and allocate funds from the finance commission and relevant ministries.
The chief minister stated that he has initiated discussions about establishing a separate directorate specifically to manage ULB affairs. This directorate, he explained, would be staffed with capable officers to ensure effective support for the elected representatives and enhance their ability to serve the people.
He added that the government would seek recommendations from political parties and communities regarding appointments, and give technical support and to work towards a ‘state of excellence’.
Addressing concerns about ENPO areas that abstained from ULB elections, Rio assured that the government is considering appointing government nominees to administrative positions in order to assist them in developing their areas.
“There will be some permissible limits and it may not be as much as they desire but we will not keep them isolated, but take them along with us and provide some grants for the development of the urban areas”, he said.
Rio also revealed that the state government is exploring the possibility of enacting an anti-defection law to address concerns about political instability.
“We do not have anti defection law but if we keep it this way there may be instability, so therefore the government is considering to pass an act for anti-defection law ”, he said.
He also told the two National People's Party (NPP) candidates from the DMC who recently aligned with the NDPP to communicate this decision to the NPP party leaders to avoid any misunderstandings. He expressed hope that they would continue to diligently serve the people in their new capacity.
Further, he advised the newly elected members to study the NDPP manifesto, stating that the goal is “to make the party a strong regional party so that the next generation will not face problems like us”.
Underscoring the significance of their work at the grassroots level, he reminded the councillors that their performance would directly reflect on the government's effectiveness.
During the event, NDPP Senior Vice President Charlie Sekhose announced that two independent DMC councillors, Chibeni Chishi (Ward 1) and I Sentinukla Jamir (Ward 3), have joined the NDPP. He added that two NPP councillors, Nikali Sumi Chophi (Ward 7) and Jonathan Yepthomi (Ward 23), have pledged their support to the NDPP.
He also confirmed that the position of Deputy Chairperson for the EDTC has been filled by Razou Dozo from Ward 8, following a unanimous decision.
Meanwhile, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak urged the newly elected councillors to prioritise grassroots development. Stating that their re-election depends on their performance, he advised them to be sincere, hardworking, and proactive and maintain loyalty to the party as well as cohesion and unity with the party members.
The event also featured remarks from prominent NDPP secretary general Abu Metha, Advisor for Labour, Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer as well as DMC and EDTC chairpersons Hukheto Yepthomi and Niuto Awomi, respectively.