‘Urban MDCs to be consulted for schemes taken up in respective constituencies’
Shillong, Sep 9: The state government has made it clear that it does not intend to infringe upon the powers of autonomous district councils (ADCs) the proposed “bailout package” for the three ADCs.
The decision to form a state committee and three sub-committees is aimed at ensuring long-term financial stability and initiating reforms in the ADCs, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge District Council Affairs (DCA) Prestone Tynsong stated in the assembly on Tuesday.
Replying to query from VPP leader Ardent Basaiawmoit, Tynsong said the committees’ terms of reference include engaging with the ADCs, seeking their consent, and discussing reforms such as recruitment policy, service matters, and procurement policy.
The terms of reference make it clear that there is no hidden agenda at all as alleged by the Nongkrem MLA, he said.
Pointing out that no other government dared to offer such bailout package for the struggling ADCs in the past, Tynsong said, “We have financial constraints but looking at the state of affairs of the employees of the ADCs… the government had to step in…”
However, he said, it does not mean the government tried to overpower the ADCs.
The deputy chief minister also cited the ADCs’ huge revenue-expenditure gap, leading to the financial mess.
The JHADC generates Rs 68.98 crore annually, but requires Rs 102 crore for salary payments alone, resulting in a deficit of Rs 33.02 crore.
Similarly, GHADC annual revenue stands at Rs 14.15 crore against it salary expenditure of Rs 84 crore, resulting in a deficit of Rs 69 crore.
In KHADC, the average revenue is Rs 46.11 crore whereas the expenditure only in salary is Rs 72 crore, and the deficit is Rs 25.9 crore annually.
“This is happening every year. This problem has not started only in 2018-2019, it keeps accumulating,” Tynsong said.
Stating that the worrying “trend” has prompted the government to step in, he said, “We are not saying that the government will pay the salary till the end but we would like to have some kind of bailout package.”
Meanwhile, the government has designated the Department of District Council Affairs as the nodal department for coordination with the ADCs.
This move aims to streamline interactions between the state government and the ADCs, reducing the need for ADCs to directly approach various departments for their shares.
Regarding issues faced by MDCs from urban constituencies, Tynsong mentioned that the government had reached a conclusion to consult with MDCs on scheme proposals under the 15th Finance Commission.
“The 15th Finance Commission has sanctioned the funds through Urban Affairs which is to be implemented by the Municipal Board,” he said, adding, “It is the policy of Government of India.”
However, the state government has decided to discuss the scheme proposals with respective MDCs of urban areas.
He said the state government, meanwhile, presented the issue before the 16th Finance Commission sought a simpler mechanism and expects to get a good response from it.
Earlier, Basaiawmoit questioned the government’s motive behind the proposed bailout package, terming it an unprecedented intervention in financial matters of the ADCs.
He suggested that the government’s decision may be seen as an act of kindness, but it also raises questions about its underlying motives.
Basaiawmoit highlighted the government’s lack of interest in addressing the problems faced by GHADC employees and MDCs from urban constituencies, particularly those not affiliated with the ruling MDA partners.
He alleged that these MDCs are deprived of schemes and benefits due to the state’s failure to take up their issues with the concerned Ministry.
Mukul raises delay in ANVC settlement
Participating in the discussion, Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma referred to the text settlement agreement signed between the Centre, State, and the disbanded Achik National Volunteers’ Council (ANVC) and ANVC (B).
Sangma warned that any attempt to deviate from this agreement would be perceived as a betrayal by the citizens of Meghalaya and the nation.
Sangma urged the government to honour the text settlement agreement and find ways to implement its provisions.
