New councils’ group clarifies formation objectives

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Oct. 29: In the wake of allegations from GB institutions expressing doubts over the formation of the Dimapur District Village Council Chairmen’s Association (DDVCCA), the DDVCCA has issued a statement on Mon. Oct. 29 to clarify some of its objectives.
The DDVCCA was launched on Oct. 15 at the Chumukedima Town Council Hall in Dimapur, with the deputy commissioner of Dimapur Sushil Kumar Patel attending as the special guest.
According to the statement, the DDVCCA was formed with the objective to better coordinate among member villages, and uphold common platform to foster development through good governance. Likewise, it would endeavour to cooperate in assisting the government in implementing various developmental activities.
“In view of the above, the DDVCCA would like to clarify to the Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) and its units that formation of DDVCCA in no way encroach the powers and function of the GB institution,” the group stated in its press release.
The group added that the village administers and functions in accordance with the Tribal and Village Council Act 1978. The formation of the DDVCCA will in no way change the provisions of the Act, the statement assured.
The organisation stated that the DDVCCA has highest respect for the institution of village chieftainship and has no clash of interest with the Gaon Bura institution as the powers and functions of the two entities are separately empowered by the government. The DDVCCA said that the group was ready to sit across the table for any discussion or clarification in this regard.
During the launch, Patel had urged the chairmen to focus on developing the grassroots communities. “Village chairmen play an important role in effective implementation of any development in the villages which in turn benefits the administration,” he had said.
The convenor of the selection committee of the DDVCCA, Razouvotuo Chatsu, had said that the DDVCCA was formed to coordinate between the local administration and the village bodies in the district. He mentioned that the association was a non-political body that would work for the betterment of the administration as a whole.