ITANAGAR, Jun 05: Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Union Minister for Earth & Science Kiren Rijiju, inaugurated the permanent office of the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) at Chimpu on Monday. The multi-storey office building, established in 2020, aims to enhance the efficiency of administrative operations.
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Pema Khandu urged Chief Secretary Dharmendra to initiate the process of creating regular posts for the IMC. He also encouraged IMC Mayor Tame Phassang to lead the team in improving the capital complex. Khandu suggested the proper implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plant (SWMP) and assured the state government’s full support in this regard. He emphasized the importance of IMC functioning with responsibility and urged them to address the challenges faced by the people in waste management.
Highlighting the state’s revenue dependency on the central government, Chief Minister Khandu emphasized the need for self-sustainability. He commended the efforts of the BJP-led government, which has significantly increased the state’s revenue from Rs. 900 crore to Rs. 3,500 crore annually. Khandu stated that IMC, by maintaining law and order and ensuring a problem-free city, can contribute to the state’s revenue generation through increased investment and tourism.
In order to attract outside investment, Chief Minister Khandu acknowledged the importance of maintaining law and order in the state. He revealed that the state government has decided to create 470 new force positions specifically for the capital region to address law and order concerns.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju congratulated the IMC on the establishment of its permanent office and encouraged the office bearers to fulfill their duties in keeping the capital region clean and green. Rijiju highlighted the central government’s commitment to integrating and promoting sustainable development in the state, including the allocation of significant funds and loan opportunities.
Expressing his concern, Rijiju noted that the state government has not released Utilization Certificates (UC) for the last three to four years for tourism and PMGSY scheme funds. He appealed to the state government to expedite the process and utilize the grants provided by the central government.
Mayor Tamme Phassang expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, and Minister ULB Kamlung Mossang for their support. He requested financial assistance from the state government for the construction of a proper drainage system to complement the existing CC Pavement in the city.
