Powers delegated to Civic bodies
GMC now to issue trade licenses


GANGTOK, June 28: The local urban bodies of Sikkim have been delegated their powers on various functions which were previously handled by the State Urban Development department.

As per an official release, the Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) has been given the authority in trade licenses, car parking, bazaar contract, sanitation, urban poverty alleviation and civil works within its jurisdiction.

The GMC is empowered to issue and renew the trade licenses, supervisory functions and call for tenders, evaluate and award car parking contracts and bazaar contracts. It would also be disposing the solid wastes and collecting sanitation charges.

The GMC would also be implementing poverty alleviation schemes and execute civil works up to Rs. 50 lakhs.

The GMC will be assisted by a 38 member support staff with a joint secretary functioning as the chief municipal officer.

Similarly, Namchi Municipal Council (NMC) has been delegated its powers. It can renew trade licenses and supervise the process. It will also be taking care of sectors like car parking, bazaar contract and sanitation besides implementing the Urban Poverty Alleviation scheme. It can execute civil works up to Rs. 30 lakhs.

The NMC will be assisted by a 21 member support headed by a deputy secretary in its functions.

The five Nagar Panchayats of Rangpo, Singtam, Jorethang, Mangan and Geyzing have been given similar powers except in the trade license sector. It can execute civil works up to Rs. 20 lakhs. The Nagar Panchayats will be helped by four member support staff headed by a Nagar Panchayat assistant

source;sikkim express