Itanagar, Jan 31: Arunachal Pradesh Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja on Friday assured full support to enhance the functioning of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), emphasizing greater devolution of powers under the 74th Constitutional Amendment.

Raja chaired a coordination meeting with the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC), and the Chief Councillor and Deputy Chief Councillor of Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC). He said that issues raised by ULBs would be taken up with the Chief Minister to address critical gaps.

The discussions focused on urban development and institutional strengthening. Officials from IMC and PMC requested the transfer of additional subjects from the Constitution’s 12th Schedule—including urban planning, land-use regulation, water supply, public health, sanitation, and environmental protection—to make ULBs more self-reliant and efficient.

They also called for improved funding, including a dedicated state budget allocation similar to Panchayati Raj Institutions, noting that current revenues from trade licenses, certificates, garbage fees, and hoardings are insufficient. Officials highlighted that some devolved subjects remain with state line departments under the 2021 Allocation of Business Rules, which limits ULB operations.

Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso urged the new ULBs to provide diligent public service and proposed a joint inspection with the Capital Deputy Commissioner and IMC Mayor to restore the Nirjuli/Karsingsa burial ground. Addressing related concerns, Raja confirmed he had raised the Chimpu burial ground boundary wall issue to prevent encroachments and advised IMC to maintain accurate records of cremations and burials.

Raja reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to democratic decentralization and empowering ULBs in line with constitutional mandates.