Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 20
Parliamentary Secretary for Municipal Affairs, Economics & Statistics, R. Tohanba on Monday maintained that there was a lot of misinterpretation in the media regarding the 33% women reservation in the urban local bodies.
“Court verdict is still pending and so far, there is no such indication from the Court that the municipality election has to go for 33 % women reservation,” Tohanba said during the inauguration of road at Jasokie Colony, United North Block, Burma Camp, Dimapur.
Without mentioning any name, the Parliamentary Secretary blamed a “particular section of people” who were not cooperating and owing to which election to urban local bodies could not be held.
Tohanba said that the Department has the right to pursue for conduct of elections and if government finds it fit, “it will take own convenient time if election is to be conducted.”
He pointed out that the state government lost Rs 59 crore during the 13th Finance Commission, as the funds were not released to the state in the absence of elected members of urban local bodies.
Tohanba said that the Department, in spite of such fund shortage, was initiating developmental activities side by side and expressed the hope that problems would be sorted out and peaceful elections is held.
He lauded the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) for working hard and being sincere adding, “I am very satisfied with the ongoing works of the DMC and appeal the public to extend their cooperation.” He said that the money collected as toll tax was being used for visible development in the town.
Tohanba also informed that Kohima would be applying for the third round selection list for Smart Cities. DMC Administrator, H. Atokhe Aye said that the credit for providing basic facilities in the town goes to the government and the public for the support and cooperation towards the DMC.
Reiterating about the ban on non-biodegradable carry bags, Atokhe urged the public to inculcate more civic sense and be environmentally conscious. He said that the road at Jasokie colony was the 16th road constructed by DMC in 18 months. The total area of the road constructed was 494x6=2964 sq.m.
