Shillong, Sept 9: The Meghalaya Indigenous Tribes Constitutional Rights Movement (MITCRM) has questioned if the state government’s proposal to pay salaries to employees of the three autonomous district councils (ADCs) will not pave the way for the imposition of the Panchayati Raj system in Meghalaya.
This was one of the points, which the MITCRM is seeking clarification from the state government within 15 days.
In a letter submitted to the chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday, the MITCRM said, “We kindly request a detailed response to these points at your earliest convenience, ideally within 15 days, to enable us to inform and reassure our communities. MITCRM is open to further discussions or meetings to address this matter collaboratively.”
“How will the State Government ensure that this assistance does not pave the way for the imposition of the Panchayati Raj system in Meghalaya, which could dilute indigenous governance structures?” it asked while emphasizing the need for safeguards to protect the fundamental rights and cultural integrity of the Khasi, Jaintia, Garo, and other indigenous communities.
The MITCRM has also questioned the decision-making process behind the government’s proposal, citing a lack of consultation with stakeholders, including elected members and representatives of the ADCs.
The organization has expressed concerns that the proposal may erode the autonomous authority and self-governance mechanisms enshrined in the Sixth Schedule, potentially leading to increased state government control over the ADCs.
The MITCRM has also sought clarity on how the revenue collected by the ADCs is allocated and how the financial aid will be structured to maintain transparency and prevent misuse.
“Where does the revenue currently collected by the ADCs (e.g., from tolls, taxes, and other sources) get allocated, especially when it appears insufficient to cover operational needs like staff salaries? If financial aid is intended, to whom is it directed—the MDCs, the council employees, or the councils as institutions? We request a clear outline of how this aid will be structured to maintain transparency, prevent misuse, and ensure it does not undermine the ADCs’ self-sustaining mechanisms established since 1952,” it stated.
