MMC inaugurates renovated old town hall bazaar

MOKOKCHUNG — In a bid to enhance local infrastructure and support the community’s needs, Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) inaugurated a newly renovated old town hall bazaar at Sangtemla Ward on November 2.

The old town hall bazaar has been dedicated as meat market with the renovation funded through a grant from the 15th Finance Commission.

The MMC superintendent, Lolentsoba, shared that the facility now included 72 newly constructed chambers for vendors, a rainwater reservoir and upgraded building aesthetics, all costing approximately INR 47 lakh.

The event was officiated by Kekhrievor Kevichusa, commissioner and secretary of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, who also reviewed MMC’s upgraded office facilities including a new 5.0 KV solar panels installed on the office rooftop.

Informing about the state’s efforts to secure additional funds, Kevichusa stated that it had urged the 16th Finance Commission to significantly increase future grants as the 15th Finance Commission’s funds are expected to deplete by the 2025-26 fiscal year.

He encouraged the MMC councilors to let the urban local bodies (ULB) raise revenue apart from grants sanctioned from state and Finance Commission to support sustainable development

He commended MMC and other ULB in Mokokchung for effective fund utilisation and termed as a model for others across the state. He encouraged MMC councilors to prioritise public awareness and collaboration rather than imposing direct taxes.

The officer further underscored the need for a nominal service charge on government-provided services, noting that public acceptance would be crucial to achieving quality standards.

MMC chairperson, Imkongchuba A, informed that the one-time grant from the Government of India for the newly constituted MMC has been judiciously utilised for the renovation and upgrade of the office complex with the knowledge and approval of all the councilors.

He further assured both public and visiting officials that all government funds are being prudently allocated toward community-centric improvements and highlighted MMC’s commitment to leveraging future grants for the uplift of the local business community, which according to him, is vital for the town’s economic growth.