SHILLONG: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh informed the House today that while the District Council does not maintain a separate budgetary allocation for natural disasters, it regularly provides financial assistance of ₹4,000 for minor incidents and ₹15,000 for major damages.
Replying to a query raised by Mairang constituency MDC EL Nongrang, the CEM stated that the Executive Committee (EC) never delays the release of funds for individuals affected by natural calamities.
He disclosed that during the fiscal year 2025-2026, relief assistance for natural disaster damages was distributed across several constituencies. This included 21 beneficiaries from Nongpoh, 9 from Umroi, 4 from Mawkyrwat, 5 from Mawhati, 2 from Mawlai, 4 from Mawkynrew, 2 from Mawphlang, 1 from Mylliem, 2 from Nongskhen, and 1 from the Langkyrdem constituency.
”There is no dedicated or earmarked fund set aside, but we have fixed the assistance at ₹4,000 for small incidents and ₹15,000 for major disasters. If all required documents, including photographs and bank account details, are properly submitted, the Council releases and transfers the money within 10 days at the very latest,” the CEM explained.
He further added that after the conclusion of the present Council Session, the Executive Committee will review pending cases to release funds to those who are yet to receive their financial assistance.
Meanwhile, in another development during the session, Executive Member (EM) in charge of Legal Affairs, Deity H. Majaw, informed the House that the collection of court fees in the District Council Court is regulated in accordance with the KHADC Court Fees Rules 1976 and the Court Fees (Meghalaya Amendment) Act 1993.
The EM was replying to a question brought forward by Sohiong MDC Synshar L. Thabah.
Elaborating on the history of the legislation, the EM stated that when the KHADC was initially established in 1952, the state was still a part of Assam.
At that time, the Governor of Assam had issued the United Khasi Jaintia Hills District Application of Laws Regulations 1952. She explained that this regulation specified that the law should be implemented concurrently within the United Khasi Jaintia Hills District Council owing to the joint application of the Indian Stamp Act 1899.
“However, through an Executive Committee Order issued on February 28, 2024, authorization was given to upwardly revise the court fees,” the EM stated.
She further informed that the new structure introduces a percentage-based system for court fees. Under this system, if the valuation of a lawsuit is up to ₹1 lakh, litigants are required to pay a 2% fee, whereas if the case valuation exceeds ₹1 lakh, a 3% fee is levied.
Assuring the House of further review, the EM stated that the Executive Committee will take necessary action moving forward and, if deemed required, will introduce a formal amendment or completely revoke the Executive Committee Order of 2024.
