Editor,
The current dispensation MDA 2 under its term has taken a very substantial step to support the three autonomous district Councils in the form of payment for various dues and salaries in this current financial year.
The argument that dictates the political situation in the GHADC might have forced a rethink and strategic policy inter alia with provisions of the Constitution of India is something to be left to people and groups to debate.
The Constitution itself empowers the ADCs to be self-reliant and exercise their constitutional powers. Let us not forget that the ADCs are constitutional independent institutions mandated to work in the overall interests of the local tribal population and in sync with the state and central governments.
We have heard that there was a clamour for direct funding to the Councils and if this amendment gets through it makes no difference with what the state government is currently engaged in.
For those who may feign ignorance perhaps they should take a look at the financial liabilities that JHADC has and the Council irrespective of which party led in the past it has always been provided with financial aid from state resources since the council has been getting it’s royalty through taxes from mineral resources, trading licenses, NOCs etc. therefore the state has its duty to aid and support the ADCs without interfering in their constitutionally mandated duties within the Constitutional framework.
Dominic S. Wankhar
Via e-mail
