The GMC office at Panbazar: Getting ready for a glimpse into the past

Feb. 20: One step forward but two steps backward. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) plans to take a step into the past to chalk out a better future.

The 34-year-old civic body is all set to create two photo galleries of all its mayors — past and present — and major projects executed successfully during their tenure. These galleries will be housed at the corporation’s offices at Uzan Bazar and Panbazar.

A GMC official said the decision to create the photo galleries was taken during the general council meeting held recently. He said the initiative is aimed at inspiring those currently associated with the corporation to work with dedication to develop the city.

“Lack of work culture among its employees has been a major cause of concern for the future of the GMC. Many employees are more interested in asserting their rights than delivering their duties. For a fast growing city like Guwahati, the corporation has to deliver its services,” the official said.

According to the official, those currently associated with the corporation are unaware of its the past. He said the corporation had several visionary mayors in the past who envisioned to develop Guwahati into one of the best cities in the country.

He said the first mayor Radha Govinda Baruah was a great sports personality of Assam and took up several initiatives to develop the city. Eminent litterateur and former president of Asam Sahitya Sabha, Lakhyadhar Choudhury, was another successful mayor and initiated various development works.

“For a better future one has to know its past. There are many success stories which can serve as an inspiration for the GMC in the coming days. With limited resources and funds, the corporation was successful in delivering its services to the taxpayers. More importantly, employees, the councillors and mayors of the civic body, in the past, were dedicated and sincere to serve the people,” the official said.

Councillors cutting across party lines have welcomed the decision. “It is unfortunate that we are unaware of the names of prominent mayors and their works. I will love to know about their works. The past can teach us many things for the future,” a Congress councillor said.