SHILLONG: The Executive Committee (EC) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) met with the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of District Council Affairs (DCA), Prestone Tynsong, today to discuss various issues concerning the Council.
CEM Winston Tony Lyngdoh informed the press that the meeting was a reminder of the earlier meeting held by the former CEM, Shemborlang Rynjah. The primary issues discussed included:
Fund Share (Urban Schemes): They discussed the financial allocation and the difficulties faced by the Members of District Council (MDCs) regarding the Urban Schemes.
The Minister acknowledged the issue and informed them that he would convene a meeting soon with the MDCs from both Khasi and Jaintia Hills who are affected by the urban schemes.
Lyngdoh noted that this is an old scheme brought about by the 15th Finance Commission, and since the Commission’s term is nearing its end this year, they may not be able to correct it immediately. However, the Minister promised that proposals would henceforth come directly from MDCs representing urban constituencies for urban areas.
Share of Revenue from Minor and Major Minerals: They discussed the share of funds from Minor and Major Minerals that the State Government is supposed to allocate to the Council.
The Minister said he would look into this matter.
The CEM expressed confidence that the meeting was fruitful and that, moving forward, as advised by the Minister, all matters would be discussed directly with the DCA Secretary.
Land Title Right Bill: They discussed the pending Land Title Right Bill, which awaits the Governor’s assent.
The DCA Department is following up on this, and its enactment would facilitate the Council in obtaining loans from SBI.
Financial Support/Grant: Regarding financial assistance from the Government, which was also discussed with the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), the CEM stressed that if the State Government provides timely financial assistance in the form of a grant or releases the pending fund share, the Councils would face no difficulty in carrying out their work.
He mentioned that out of the total pending share, about ₹70 crores remain, of which ₹20 crores were recently released, leaving around ₹50 crores pending. If the remaining funds are released, the Council’s work will proceed smoothly.
