SILCHAR, April 2 � The newly-elected chairman of Silchar Municipal Board Niharendra Narayan Thakur today said that despite severe fund constraints, the BJP-led new civic board will do its best to give the tax-paying residents of Silchar the facilities they deserve.
In his speech, after taking oath as the new chairman of the civic board at a function held at the Banga Bhawan here, Thakur said that besides the obvious challenges like drainage clearance, proving safe drinking water etc., the new board is faced with a more critical task of managing the resources with a very limited fund for the next year. Blaming the State government, Thakur said that no fund has been allocated for this new board since no budget was sent on February 28 this year.
He also said that the tax paying system is too complicated, which is harming the board badly. Also, the new chairman highlighted the plight of the municipal employees who are yet to get their due salaries. �We will be facing great challenges ahead. I urge upon my team of commissioners and also the employees of the Municipality to remain united to combat this crisis taking in consideration the greater interest of the people, who voted us to power with hope,� Thakur said. He recollected the contributions of the past leaders who contributed immensely in running the 133-year-old board.
It may be mentioned here that barring Tamal Kanti Banik, commissioner of ward number 22, all the other 27 commissioners were administered oath in the 31st oath-taking ceremony by Bijendra Prasad Singh, commissioner of ward number 4, who was selected as the protem speaker by the Deputy Commissioner GM Hazarika.
Chameli Paul, commissioner of ward number 14, was named the new vice chairperson. Local MLA Dilip Kumar Paul also took oath as the ex-officio member of the board. In his speech, Paul said that this board is here to play a long innings and will give a much improved performance. Member of Parliament Sushmita Dev and Sports Minister Ajit Singh were absent during the oath-taking ceremony for official reasons.
