SHILLONG: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Wednesday witnessed the presentation of a three-month interim budget, as the Executive Member (EM) in charge of Finance, Seiborlang Warbah, tabled a ‘Vote on Account’ amounting to ₹36,99,83,830 on the opening day of the Budget Session.
Introducing the interim budget in the House, Warbah explained that the Executive Committee (EC) was unable to present a full-fledged budget for the 2026–27 financial year at this stage. He stated that the Council is currently engaged in reconciling total revenue receipts and expenditures for the ongoing 2025–26 fiscal year to establish a clear and accurate financial position.
To ensure the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of the Council, the EC has prepared this provisional budget, which will be effective from April 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. Warbah informed members that the complete budget for the 2026–27 financial year will be presented in the next session.
Department-Wise Allocation
The interim budget allocates funds across various departments that included — Civil Works and Development: ₹16,24,94,700 (Highest allocation); General Administration: ₹9,14,51,600; Forest Department: ₹2,84,41,860; Revenue Budget and Finance: ₹2,76,64,369; Legislative Department: ₹2,36,39,150; Administration of Justice and Judicial: ₹1,80,43,850; Enforcement Scheme for Protection of Tribal Interest: ₹1,59,82,870; Law Department: ₹18,53,920 and Education Department: ₹4,11,520
Focus on Salaries and Essential Expenses
The Finance EM clarified that the primary objective of the Vote on Account is to facilitate the timely payment of salaries to Members of District Council (MDCs), officers, judicial staff, and employees across departments.
In addition, the allocated funds will cover pension payments for retired employees, ongoing development works, and essential day-to-day administrative expenses of the Council.
He emphasized that the interim budget aims to maintain administrative continuity until the presentation of the full annual budget.
