Shillong, Sep 3: The bailout package offered by the state government to the financially-distressed Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) has drawn criticism from the Opposition with former chief minister Mukul Sangma questioning Constitutional validity of the move.
“Everything that the government does has to be within the mandate of the Constitution of India. It cannot be anybody wishful thinking,” the Leader of Opposition told reporters on Wednesday.
He said the government’s decision to “directly pay” salaries of ADC employees from November 1 may infringe upon the autonomy of ADCs.
While criticising the move, Sangma further alleged that the government’s stance may indicate a “hidden agenda” to weaken ADCs, rather than strengthening them.
Stating that GHADC employees have not received salaries for 44 months, Sangma accused the government of shirking its responsibility and appearing insensitive to the situation.
“The government has to understand the sensitivity of the situation,” he said.