KOHIMA, November 5 (MExN): Village Councils in Nagaland have submitted a memorandum to the 16th Finance Commission (FC), requesting the allocation of funds for their operations.
The memorandum was presented by Ao Sanen Pongen, Chairman of Chuchuyimlang Village Council, on behalf of the Village Councils of the state, during a meeting with the visiting four-member Finance Commission headed by Dr Arving Panagariya, at Hotel Vivor, Kohima on Tuesday.
The memorandum proposed that the Commission allocates a consolidated fund to the Village Councils annually for use in general administration, including office maintenance, transportation for government directives, and contingencies.
It also called for the provision of a monthly honorarium to the Chairmen and members of the Village Councils.
The memorandum highlighted that the Village Councils, as recognised by the State Government, are statutory entities under the Nagaland Village Councils Act of 1978.
Apart from their internal governance functions, these Councils serve as government functionaries in their respective villages, tasked with implementing government policies, directives, and activities across various departments—especially those involved in the Communitisation Programme, it highlighted.
In order to render better services to both the government and the public, the memorandum stressed the need for financial support.
It also pointed out that despite their crucial role, Village Councils have not received any funds since their establishment, with Council members continuing to provide voluntary services for both the government and the public.
The meeting was attended by Village Council Chairmen from five districts including Ao Sanen Pongen, Chairman of Chuchuyimlang Village Council (Mokokchung district); Keduolhoulie Houzha, Chairman of Mereima Village Council (Kohima district); Noklem Konyak, Chairman of Tizit Village Council (Mon district); Vandan Erui, Chairman of Wokha Village Council (Wokha district); and Khuniho Ayemi, Chairman of Khuniho Village Council (Zunheboto district).
