Silchar: In a landmark moment for the Barak Valley’s largest urban centre, Silchar formally transitioned from a Municipal Board to a Municipal Corporation, marking a new chapter in its urban development and governance. The historic occasion was commemorated on Monday with a spirited event held at the newly-designated Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC) complex.

Chief Guest Kanad Purkayastha, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from Silchar, delivered the keynote address, calling it “a memorable milestone in the history of our beloved city.” Reflecting on Silchar’s century-old civic journey, he paid homage to Kamini Kumar Chanda, the first Chairman of the Silchar Municipal Board in 1913, and acknowledged the contributions of subsequent chairmen who laid the foundations of modern civic administration.

“This is not just an administrative upgrade,” said Purkayastha. “We are stepping into a new era of urban governance that aligns with Silchar’s growing aspirations.” He highlighted the city’s strategic and cultural importance as the heart of the Barak Valley, and stressed that the transition was inevitable in light of rising population, expanding urban limits, and evolving infrastructural needs.

The elevation to a Municipal Corporation, he noted, will ensure better financial devolution, improved infrastructure, and smarter urban planning. Expressing gratitude to Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the MP credited his “visionary leadership and firm governance” for making this long-awaited transformation a reality.

The MP also called attention to pressing civic concerns—including drinking water supply, waste management, drainage, and traffic regulation—and urged newly appointed Commissioner Srishti Singh, IAS, to adopt a “citizen-focused and action-oriented approach” under the new framework.

Local MLA Dipayan Chakraborty addressed the gathering and revisited the rich legacy of the Silchar Municipal Board. He shared insights into various developmental works undertaken during his tenure, including infrastructure upgrades and beautification projects. He described the elevation to Corporation status as “a reflection of Silchar’s rapid growth and the collective will of its people.”

Adding to the day’s significance, former Silchar MLA and current Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Sushmita Dev delivered a detailed address focusing on civic transparency. Stressing the importance of accountability, she called for regular updates on fund allocations and expenditures over the past five years to be made available on the official SMC website. She also appealed for the inclusion of the Bengali language in public banners and hoardings to preserve the city’s linguistic heritage.

Former MLA Dilip Paul and former Chairman of the Silchar Municipal Board, Nihar Ranjan Thakur, also addressed the gathering. Both lauded the state government’s bold step and recalled the long-standing aspirations of the people for better civic administration.

Commissioner Srishti Singh, in her welcome address, reaffirmed her commitment to responsive governance, citizen-friendly reforms, and expeditious implementation of development projects under the new civic body.

The event saw the presence of several eminent citizens including Taimur Raja Choudhury, Editor of the Bengali daily Samyoik Prasanga, noted lawyer Dulal Mitra, and civic leader Sadhan Purkayastha, among others individuals who have played crucial roles in shaping Silchar’s urban narrative.

The ceremony concluded on an optimistic note, with a collective sense of hope and responsibility for building a modern, inclusive, and resilient Silchar under the banner of the Silchar Municipal Corporation.