Need to work on self sustainability: CM O Ibobi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 18 2015 : Local governing bodies need to be self sustainable as the Central Government and the State Government have not been able to provide adequate fund for various developmental works, stated the Chief Minister O Ibobi during the inaugural programme of a one day State level consultative workshop on 'Municipal resource mobili zation and implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) at City Convention Centre, Imphal today.

The workshop was organised by the Manipur Urban Development Agency (MUDA) and attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as the chief guest, Secretary of Municipal Administration, Housing & Urban Development (MAHUD) RK Dinesh as the functional president, Dr RK Nimai , Retd Commissioner and Advisor to the Government of Manipur and N Geetkumar, Director of MAHUD N Geetkumar as the guests of honour.

The Chief Minister said that various urban municipal bodies, Nagar Panchayats, Zilla Parishads, Gram Panchayats and Autonomous District Councils in the hill areas play a vital role in various developmental works.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh lighting a candle during the inauguratal session of the workshop

He said, "To make a welfare State, we all must know the importance of the local bodies and everyone must extend their co-operation," he added.

It is high time to strengthen these bodies in order make our democracy successful.

The State Government has been providing all necessary help and support to make municipal bodies self sustaining.

The State Government has been facing serious financial constrains and it is the reason why the implementation of the 2010 revised pay has not been met till today, the Chief Minister stated.

He further said that the local governing bodies need to put in more effort to mobilize the available resources.

Property tax and various other taxes which are implementable in the city areas must be implemented at the earliest and must be enforced in other urban areas.

He urged the bodies concerned to check the 'building by law' for buildings and other high rising infrastructure located in the heart of Imphal city and in any case of calamity the blame will go on to the State Government and the municipal bodies.

The unproportionate population explosion in the city areas can be checked if various other taxes like property tax are levied upon these buildings, he suggested.

The demand for introduction of appropriate municipal service cadre in various local bodies needs to be thoroughly discussed as it can lead to complications in future, he added.

He said that the State Government is discussing to implement a pension system for the municipal members like those of ADC members.

Chief Minister O Ibobi maintained that if the selected Executive Officer and Assistant Executive Officer are not absorbed by the municipalities concerned as recommended by the Manipur Public Service Commission within one month, the State Government deliver the respective posts in accordance to their merit list.

Meanwhile, RK Nimai said, "There is a mismatch between the need of the people and the service provided by the local bodies.

However, required services can be delivered when we collectively work together." RK Dinesh said that to enhance the quality of urban life, the Central Government has provided various schemes but people must be ready to face series of competition with other States as performance basis funds are being sanctioned by the Ministry concerned.