Shillong, Sep 1: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has expressed strong reservations regarding the state government’s proposal to take on the responsibility of paying employees of the three autonomous district councils (ADCs) in the state, citing implications on their autonomy and financial stability.
The government made the proposal last week as the Garo Hills ADC is in a crisis over unpaid salaries to the tune of 43 months’ worth. However, it said that there would have to be reforms in the way the ADCs function if they were to avail of the state’s assistance.
Today the JNC questioned the legal basis for the state government’s decision, pointing out that the Sixth Schedule does not contain any provision that permits the government to pay council employees’ salaries.
The council has raised several concerns, including the potential weakening of the ADCs’ authority, the implications of ADC employees being regarded solely as state employees, the need for state approval for new ADC appointments and the source of funds for the state government to cover the salaries of thousands of workers across the three councils.
Instead, the JNC has proposed solutions aimed at achieving financial stability for the ADCs, including enhancing their financial resources to prevent future crises, limiting appointments to what they can financially sustain, providing a comprehensive and transparent account of revenue generated from minerals, transport, forestry and ensuring prompt payment of the ADCs’ share of revenue.
