Port Blair, October 6: The newly elected members of the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC), led by Smt Sheela Singh, Chairperson PBMC, called on the Hon’ble Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), at Raj Niwas today. The Lt Governor congratulated each member of the Council and told them that they had dual role to play in the affairs of the Council. Firstly, a collective responsibility as a Councillor for the overall development of the city and to the citizens of Port Blair. Secondly, their individual role as representatives of their wards. He urged all members to honour the mandate of people, who voted them to the Council, by working honestly and sincerely to address their legitimate grievances. He also urged them to be honest and forthright in their work so that there is transparency in their public dealings.
During the meeting, he requested the Chairperson to take stock of the Municipal finances and work out ways and means to augment Municipal revenues so that they are financially better equipped to undertake developmental activities. Besides, he also requested them to work on rationalization of taxes and levies. Special attention needs to be paid to the six newly formed wards.
Hon’ble Lt Governor gave a strong message to the new Council that fresh encroachments will not be tolerated and each member should take upon themselves the responsibility to ensure that fresh encroachments does not occur in their respective wards. He also stressed on the crucial role of the Council for making Port Blair a ‘Smart City’ since PBMC will be the implementing agency of the smart city project.
Finally, he suggested that a mechanism be put in place where PBMC and the Administration work together for the benefit of the people of the city. For this, he suggested a quarterly review meeting of the Council with the Chief Secretary and, separately, a meeting with the Lt Governor once in six months.
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