Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh – Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja has pledged full governmental support to empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), assuring that concerns over effective devolution of powers will be addressed in alignment with the 74th Constitutional Amendment. During a coordination meeting with newly elected representatives from key municipal entities, the minister emphasized the state’s commitment to democratic decentralisation and self-sustaining urban governance.
The session brought together Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC), Chief Councillor and Deputy Chief Councillor of Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC), along with Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso, to discuss urban development priorities and institutional reforms.
Assurance for Constitutional Alignment and Issue Resolution
Minister Raja assured participants that the government would take up ULB grievances with the Chief Minister to rectify shortcomings and ensure smooth functioning. He reiterated the administration’s dedication to transferring more subjects to municipal bodies as outlined in the 12th Schedule of the Constitution, which lists 18 functional areas including urban planning, land-use regulation, water supply, public health, sanitation, solid waste management, urban poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and provision of civic amenities like parks and street lighting.
“Greater devolution would help make ULBs more self-sustaining and responsive to public needs,” officials from IMC and PMC argued during the deliberations. The minister confirmed his intent to place these issues before higher authorities for prompt action.
Push for Improved Municipal Financing and Functional Clarity
Representatives highlighted limitations in current revenue streams—such as trade licences, birth/death registration fees, garbage collection charges, and hoarding permissions—urging the creation of a dedicated budgetary window for ULBs, similar to provisions for Panchayati Raj Institutions.
They also pointed out overlaps where certain devolved subjects remain handled by line departments under the Government of Arunachal Pradesh (Allocation of Business) Rules, 2021, calling for rectification to avoid jurisdictional conflicts and enable efficient service delivery.
Specific Actions and Broader Commitment
In response to a specific concern, Minister Raja confirmed he had raised the matter of constructing a boundary wall at the Chimpu burial ground to prevent encroachment or misuse, advising IMC to maintain accurate records of cremations and burials. Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso proposed a joint site inspection involving the Capital Deputy Commissioner, IMC Mayor, and other stakeholders to restore the burial ground at Nirjuli/Karsingsa.
Raja stressed that the state would continue working to empower ULBs in accordance with constitutional provisions, urging representatives to work diligently for public welfare. The meeting underscored the need for stronger municipal financing, clearer functional domains, and proactive governance to support Arunachal Pradesh’s growing urban centres.
This initiative reflects the government’s push toward genuine decentralisation, enabling municipal bodies to play a more autonomous and effective role in urban planning, service delivery, and community development across the state.
Relevant Tags
Arunachal Pradesh ULBs, Balo Raja Urban Affairs, 74th Constitutional Amendment, Municipal Devolution Powers, Itanagar Municipal Corporation, Pasighat Municipal Council, Urban Development Arunachal, Democratic Decentralisation Northeast, Municipal Financing Reforms, 12th Schedule Constitution
Hashtags
#ArunachalULBs #BaloRaja #MunicipalPowers #74thAmendment #UrbanGovernance #ArunachalPradesh #ItanagarIMC #PasighatPMC #Decentralisation #NortheastDevelopment
