Chief Minister Rio urges sustainable development for Nagaland’s urban local bodies

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called upon newly elected municipal and town councillors to prioritise sustainable development for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Nagaland.

Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day orientation workshop for elected councillors at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima, Rio stressed the role of councillors as the ‘backbone of local governance’ as they directly connect with the people and address their everyday needs and concerns.

He urged them to focus on delivering essential services and promoting sustainable urban development, stating that their dedication and commitment are crucial for the well-being of their communities.

Rio also said that the Governor of Nagaland has issued an ordinance for an anti-defection law, which will be passed in the upcoming Assembly session.

The chief minister went on to say that the newly ULBs mark the return of a fully functional third tier of government in the state after two decades. Stating that this is a step towards genuine grassroots democracy and community-led development, he underscored the importance of an urban development vision centred on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

On the other hand, he noted the considerable challenges posed by limited resources and revenue streams because of ‘local conditions’ in Nagaland. Stressing the need for collective responsibility in finding alternative solutions, he suggested developing revenue-generating assets like market complexes, multi-purpose halls, parks, parking spaces and ULB-owned hotels, with grants from the central and state governments wherever permissible.

Rio raised concerns about the high proportion of ULB revenue dedicated to staff salaries, describing it as a symptom of ‘disguised unemployment’ where productivity suffers due to redundant roles or underutilisation of staff. He urged councillors not to view ULBs as ‘employment agencies’ but to prioritise efficient workforce planning, focusing on recruiting the right number of skilled personnel to ensure optimal functionality and minimise administrative costs.

Addressing past liabilities, the chief minister announced the release of INR 7.76 crore to cover five months of pending salaries for Kohima and Dimapur municipalities. While these funds could have been directed towards asset creation, the government prioritised providing a clean slate for the newly elected ULBs, he said.

He also said that ULBs will receive grants from the Finance Commission, including awards that the state has been unable to access for the past two decades. He expressed optimism that the establishment of functional ULBs will pave the way for receiving these much-needed funds.

Additionally, he said that the state has been pushing for support from the central ministry and shared that he would be travelling to Delhi on August 7 to meet with the Union Minister for Urban Affairs.

One-time grant for ULBs working space

Recognising the lack of designated office spaces for many ULBs, Rio committed to providing a one-time grant to establish working spaces. He further announced that provisions for constructing ULB office buildings will be made available, as reflected in the 3rd State Finance Commission report.

To address the urgent needs of ULBs, he revealed that a proposal for a one-time special grant has been submitted to the central government and expressed hope that the state would secure some special grants.

Rio emphasised that effective urban governance is complex and demands a collaborative approach, bringing together government, the private sector, civil society, and citizens. He reminded councillors that privilege comes with responsibilities, and urged them to work closely with all stakeholders to create a synergistic environment that fosters growth and development.

Competition for best ULBs

Underscoring the global trend of urbanisation, Rio noted that over half of the world’s population currently resides in urban areas, with projections indicating a surge to 68% by 2050. This rapid growth, particularly in developing regions, presents both challenges and opportunities, he said.

Drawing attention to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ (MoHUA) Ease of Living Index of 2018, he noted that Kohima was ranked as the second most unliveable city at 110.

With the new ULB leadership, he expressed hope that the capital’s liveability score, which encompasses factors like quality of life, economic opportunity, sustainability, and infrastructure, would improve.

He encouraged a spirit of competition amongst ULBs, stating that the best performing municipalities and town councils would be awarded annually.

The workshop also included remarks from Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for Urban Development, who urged dedication from the councillors, and Kekhrievor Kevichusa, Commissioner for Municipal Affairs, who delivered the welcome address.