Team of Urban Local Bodies meets Chief Minister

This being the first official meeting of the representatives of the Urban Local Bodies with the Chief Minister, the team expressed their good wishes and thanked the Chief Minister for according them a chance to serve the people. They also apprised the Chief Minister on various activities being undertaken by them in their respective wards in all the four districts
23 August,IPR: The members of the newly constituted Urban Local Bodies led by the Mayor Gangtok Municipal Corporation Mr. K.N.Topgay, called on the Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling at Samman Bhawan today on 23rd August 2010. Also present on the occasion were, Minister UD& HD Mr.D.B.Thapa, Chairman and Deputy Chairman Namchi Nagar Parisad, Commissioner Cum Secretary UD&HD Mr.Tobjor Dorjee, S.D.F. Party Secretary Mr. S.K. Pradhan, Presidents and Vice Presidents of various Nagar Panchayat, Councilors from Gangtok Municipal Corporation, and others.

This being the first official meeting of the representatives of the Urban Local Bodies with the Chief Minister, the team expressed their good wishes and thanked the Chief Minister for according them a chance to serve the people. They also apprised the Chief Minister on various activities being undertaken by them in their respective wards in all the four districts, and highlighted various problems in the area of their jurisdiction. The agendas included, working towards slum free State, proposals for systematization of Solid Waste Management, procuring of garbage disposal vans, allocation of funds and beautification of urban areas, sanitation, drainage, encroachments in town areas, urban roads, renovation, carpeting, unemployment and other important issues concerning administration and setting up offices, literacy mission, setting of police outpost at Sichey, construction of Shivalaya at Sichey, crematorium at Jorethang, Issue of residential certificates, professional tax,registration of labours from outside the state etc. The ULB Members further assured to work with utmost dedication for the benefit of the public, upholding the party manifesto thereby converting the vision of the Chief Minister into reality.

The Chief Minister welcoming them said that for the first time in the history of Sikkim, the State witnessed the election of Urban Local Bodies. The ruling government deserves credit that even the business community was accorded party tickets to contest the Municipal election and involved them in governance and decision making. The old business community should not feel left out and that they have not been recognized. The present Government has taken a bold step and provided legitimate rights of the Business Community for the first time in the history of Democratic Sikkim.

Addressing the august gathering, he further appealed to the members to be fully aware of their duties and responsibilities and work for the benefit of the urban people and at the same time contribute towards the development of the State. The Chief Minister added that it is the people who elected them to power and it becomes important for them to be humble and incorporate public opinions in their policies and programmes. Besides, he also said that devolution of power to the Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat have empowered these governing bodies and they are now answerable to the people. Generating mass awareness on various social issues and disseminating information to them can do a world of good in educating and creating a socially awakened community in our society. He said Sikkim is moving ahead in the right direction and the image of the state is high as far as other states are concerned. Everyone should keep up this trend and emphasis on qualitative work.

Referring to the development and beautification of the towns in Sikkim, the Chief Minister said that the first phase of the work has already been started. Comprehensive Mobility Plan and Development Guide Plan of major towns in the state has already been prepared by the Urban Development and Housing Department keeping in mind how the urban development should be carried out in the State. He also said that proper planning of land scaping by planting of flowering trees like rhododendron, duck wood, cherries etc as per their climatic viability, solid waste management, drainage, urban sanitation, sewerage treatment plant, creation of parks, garden, tourist infrastructures, fire station, car plaza etc. will be developed in all the bazaars duly keeping in mind the fragile ecology of the State. Besides, the provision of pedestrian walkways, Park , toilet facilities, and drinking water supply has also been incorporated. He also mentioned that the projects which are viable and eco-friendly will be implemented in all bazaars, he added. He also sought unconditional support of all the members in these ventures and asked them to generate awareness among the public on various policy decisions taken by the government on issues like ban on plastic, garbage disposal, adult education etc..

The Chief Minister also assured to look into all the demands made by the representatives of the ULB and also assured them all possible help. He also directed UD&HD Secretary to coordinate with the members and related Departments in fulfilling their request.

source: VOS