Dr Yaronsho takes charge as Ukhrul ADC chief
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, June 04 2021: Six months after expiry of his office term as chairman, Dr Yaronsho Ngalung on Friday assumed the position of caretaker chairman of Ukhrul Autonomous District Council (UADC) to take care of its administration.

The move came as a fulfilment of the state government's order on May 17, which called for an interim measure to appoint all the existing chairmen as caretaker chairmen to look after the affairs of the district councils until the ADCs elections are held.

The UADC administration formally welcomed Dr Yaronsho Ngalung as its caretaker chairman during a felicitation programme organised at its Phungreitang office campus in Ukhrul town on Friday.

As part of the felicitation, Rev Mayongsing Ngalung administered the act of blessing for the new caretaker chairman.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Yaronsho Ngalung sought the cooperation of the council staff and officials and support from all the former councillors in ensuring smooth functioning of the council.

He said that unavoidable circumstances have impelled him to take charge as caretaker chairman, considering the current vacuum being created in the council due to pending elections.

Calling the arrangement as a stop gap measure, the caretaker chairman urged the state government to make necessary arrangements to conduct the council elections once the Covid-19 pandemic situation improves in the state.

He said that the fate of grassroots governance in the hill districts is at stake owing to the inordinate delay in holding the council elections.

The caretaker chairman then alleged the state government of manipulating the untied grant under the 15th finance commission of the ADC.

The state government is utilising the fund without consulting the councils, which is a gross violation of the norms, he contended.

According to Dr Ngalung, there are stipulated guidelines for utilisation of the funds under ADC.

He then urged the state government not to repeat the same blunder in respect of the tied grant that is yet to be released.

Meanwhile, the district administration observed a one-minute silence as a mark of respect to its three departed staffers, who lost their lives due to Covid-19.UADC CEO Polly Makan, ADM Ukhrul David Kashungnao, DI Hawung Ronnui, UADC former vice-chairman M Isaac and former council members Vs Paothing, Hs Ngamsung, Edmund Chiphang, Themreishang and Ukhrul NPF leaders among others attended the felicitation ceremony, which was held in strict compliance with Covid safety protocols.

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