Rishra, 22 July (H.S.):The West Bengal Government's Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs on Tuesday formally dissolved the Board of Councillors of Rishra Municipality in Hooghly district. To ensure the smooth functioning of civic administration, Samiran Bhattacharyya, WBCS (Executive), Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector of Serampore Sub-Division, has been appointed as the Administrator of the municipality with immediate effect.

According to the government order, the Board of Councillors has been dissolved under Section 431(2) of the West Bengal Municipal Act, 1993. The order states that the dissolution has created an administrative vacuum, making it necessary to appoint an administrator to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of civic services in the public interest.

In accordance with Section 431(3) of the Act, the Administrator will exercise all powers and perform all functions vested in the municipal authorities. Samiran Bhattacharyya will hold the charge with immediate effect for a period not exceeding six months or until a newly elected Board of Councillors assumes office, whichever is earlier.

The order has been issued in the name of the Governor of West Bengal and signed by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs.

The decision follows a prolonged administrative crisis in Rishra Municipality after the resignation of several councillors resulted in the loss of the board's majority. The state government had earlier issued a show-cause notice to the municipal board before proceeding with its dissolution and the appointment of an administrator.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey