ILAM, Feb 26: Dismayed with the care-free attitude of their elected representatives after the polls, locals often blame the representatives for using them only as stepping stones to fulfill their vested interests. However, elected representatives of Suryodaya Municipality in Ilam have proved the doubters wrong by visiting the locals to hear their needs and grievances, reminiscing the days when they visited the doorsteps seeking votes.
Seven months after the completion of the local elections, elected representatives have launched a campaign to visit the constituencies of their respective local units to hear the grievances of the voters. They are discussing the plans and promises that they had made during the elections and the efforts being taken to fulfill them. According to Rana Bahadur Rai, mayor of Ilam, representatives are making the locals aware of how their local units will be working.
"We have successfully conducted such interactions in almost seven out of 14 wards of the municipality," said Mayor Rai, adding," It will be easier for us to formulate plans after knowing the needs and problems of locals directly from them."
Whose president, anyway?
The municipality is preparing to conduct such kinds of interaction every month. So far, there has been an enthusiastic participation of locals in the campaign. "Locals have suggested us to work in various sectors such as road, electricity, drinking water, urban development, agriculture among others," said Mayor Rai. To see the representatives once again at their doorsteps after the election has been a pleasant surprise to locals.
In the absence of representatives, people had to suffer a lot for years. However, the concern shown by the local government in the recent days has elated them." We had thought that our representatives would never return to our villages after getting elected. But their unexpected visit has been a great respite for us," said Som Rai of Samalbung village.
Suryodaya Municipality has also announced to conduct another program called 'Hello Suryodaya' through which locals will make their opinions and suggestions heard to the municipality. "The direct suggestions from the public will help us formulate effective plans and policies," said Rajendra Bhattarai, chief administrative officer of the district.
With the objective of establishing a good relationship with the locals and providing quick services to the service seekers, the municipality is planning to make everything digital.
