Kohima: Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj put Zunheboto town councils on notice. He demanded strict financial accountability and clear record-keeping during a September 8 meeting of the District Level Urban Local Bodies Reform and Monitoring Committee. Officials from Zunheboto, Satakha, Aghunato, and Atoizu attended the session at the DC Office Conference Hall.
Raj issued a clear directive on who holds the pen. The Executive Officer remains the only official authorized to sign licenses and financial records. He warned councillors to back away from signing official papers. The DC stated, "Elected councillors have an important role in providing policy direction, while administrative and financial procedures must follow the prescribed rules."
Registers for all receipts and spending need better maintenance. Even minor income like garbage collection fees requires documentation. The DC pushed for regular internal audits, suggesting the Treasury Department assist with financial management improvements. He also urged councils to digitize their revenue systems to track challans and bank deposits accurately.
Town council representatives detailed their ongoing struggles. They pointed to limited revenue, rising fuel costs, and unpaid salaries. While the councils flagged issues with banking and pending payments, the DC promised to review their concerns. He told them to boost their own-source revenue by collecting authorized taxes and user charges more effectively.
Updated at 9th September 2026 at 1:49am
In a separate session held at the DC Chamber the same day, Raj shifted focus to the district Internal Security Scheme. Officials hashed out a strategy for handling major disasters, potential external threats, and emergency evacuations. The talk turned to technical failures, specifically the district lack of air raid sirens, and the urgent need for a reliable communication network to bypass misinformation during a crisis.
Raj demanded a functional strategy rather than a stack of useless paperwork. He pushed for a concrete plan with clear assignments for each department and a solid link between security agencies. Police will handle initial law and order duties, while other departments stand ready to provide support as needed.
Updated at 9th September 2026 at 10:01am
The security summit also integrated human rights considerations into the district emergency framework. Officials confirmed these standards will guide all security operations during crises to ensure legal and ethical compliance on the ground.
Raj also ordered the implementation of strict media protocols. The district will establish clear channels for public updates to stop the spread of fake news. Officials identified these communication standards as a vital layer of the defense strategy, ensuring that only verified information reaches the public during an incident.
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