Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 10 2008:
The Manipur Municipality Disclosure Bill 2008 was unanimously passed by the State Assembly today.
Generating a debate on the Bill introduced by the Chief Minister, MLA O Joy observed that the Bill is specifically introduced to ensure transparency and accountability in implementing the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission taken up by the Ministry of Urban Development.
Asserting that it was already late to introduce the Bill, Joy urged the House to pass it.
He alleged that funds released to Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats were not properly utilised.
Even though there was provision for recruitment of executive officers in Nagar Panchayats, no executive officers have been appointed so far.
Chief Minister O Ibobi asserted that there was a need to pass the Bill in order to enable urban local bodies function effectively.
There was no harm in acceding to the demands of local bodies provided the House permitted, stated Ibobi while pledging to empower local bodies to the maximum permissible limit.