Guwahati, 22 August (HS): Assam Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai on Saturday held a meeting with office-bearers and members of the All Assam Municipal Board Commissioners’ Association (AAMBC) at the Office Conference Hall of Block B, Janata Bhawan, to discuss issues concerning the functioning of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

During the meeting, various challenges faced by Municipal Board Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons and Commissioners in discharging their responsibilities were discussed. Association president Dr Surajit Barman apprised the minister of the issues and concerns faced by its members.

Rai assured the association of full cooperation and support from the department in addressing genuine concerns and facilitating the effective discharge of their duties.

Stressing the need for coordinated efforts to strengthen urban governance, the minister urged Commissioners to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure efficient, responsive and citizen-centric delivery of municipal services.

Rai said the performance of ULBs would shortly be assessed and facilities such as solar lights would be provided to the bodies based on their performance. He said improved performance, effective service delivery and efficient utilisation of resources would be key factors in strengthening municipal bodies across the state.

The minister also announced that another meeting would soon be convened with Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons, Executive Officers, Financial Management Officers and Urban Technical Officers of ULBs across Assam. The meeting will focus on the effective functioning of ULBs and implementation of urban development initiatives.

Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs and In-Charge Director of Municipal Administration, Tangkeswar Das, also attended the meeting.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash