Council tables Rs 215-cr budget for 2026-27; Deficit – Rs 17 lakh
Shillong, June 17: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) tabled a total budget estimate of Rs 214.6 crore for 2026-27 an estimated deficit of Rs 17 lakh on first day of the Council’s summer session on Wednesday.
Total revenue receipt of the Council for the period has been estimated at Rs 214.43 crore.
Presenting the budget, Executive Member in-charge Finance Seiborlang Warbah Warbah said, “I assure that this Executive Committee will never stop finding ways and means to further increase the Council’s revenue, improve the working system and carefully scrutinize expenditure so that it is always prudent.”
He urged the House to approve the estimates as the 3-month Vote on Account expires on June 30.
Prior to budget details, Warbah informed the House of steps to protect community land.
“This executive committee has taken steps to put a cap on Raid lands after observing the rapid depletion of Raid lands through allotment of Raid lands to individuals and companies, running into tens of hectares. This poses a threat to the future of our descendants in terms of land for cultivation or for settlement, especially for the poor and underprivileged,” he said.
“Therefore, to protect and preserve Raid lands, the executive committee has decided to impose a ceiling on allotment of Raid lands by issuing a notification. This notification will be effective immediately but will not apply to lands acquired by the Central and State governments,” he added.
The budget proposes a Land Recording Officer with expertise in GIS to implement DILRMP and the KHAD (Regulation and Administration of Land) Act, 2021, amid a surge in Title Rights Certificate applications.
On revenue, Warbah said the executive committee released a bilingual pamphlet under the “Meghalaya Professions, Trades, Callings and Employment Taxation Act, 1947” to educate taxpayers, especially in the unorganized sector.
“Our aim is to create an informed, aware and law-abiding citizenry. Though it is just a small step, we believe ‘Small steps today, big changes tomorrow’,” he said.
The Taxation Wing will also push for fully online collection at branch offices.
For central funds, he noted the 16th Finance Commission has earmarked Rs 1,479 crore for Meghalaya’s Rural Local Bodies from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with KHADC’s share for 2026-27 at Rs 85.50 crore split into Basic and Performance Grants in 80:20 ratio.
He added that Rs 12.15 crore under the 2nd instalment of 15th FC Untied Grant 2022-23 is still awaited.
Warbah highlighted an MoU with IORA Ecological Solution Pvt. Ltd for afforestation and carbon projects.
Quoting HO Mawrie – “The Khasi lives with Nature and Nature lives in the Khasi” – and WH Auden – “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water” – he said the partnership aims to restore forests, preserve water sources and generate income for residents through carbon credits.
He also informed the House that the KHADC Member’s Pension Repealing Act 2026 has received Governor’s assent, which “will further help augment the Council’s finances”.
