Shillong, Sep 9: Voice of the People Party (VPP) MLA for Nongkrem, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, today urged the state government to enhance budget allocation for the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and allow them to function independently without excessive interference.
Basaiawmoit said the ADCs, which are constitutional bodies under the Sixth Schedule, are meant to independently administer the autonomous districts. He argued that the state government’s decision to take over the payment of salaries of ADC employees is not only unconstitutional but also an intrusion into the councils’ domain, thereby undermining their autonomy.
The government’s move has been met with widespread caution. Ostensibly, the state suggested that it would take on the responsibility of paying ADC employees so long as certain conditions are met. The move came about due to the ongoing financial crisis in the Garo Hills ADC.
The VPP leader pointed out that the announcement caught many by surprise, sparking widespread debate. “On the face of it, one may see it as a kind gesture to help the employees. But what lies beneath is a much bigger issue,” Basaiawmoit said, questioning the government’s motive behind the move.
The same government had previously refused to release funds to the Khasi Hills ADC and deprived MDCs representing urban constituencies of their rightful share of schemes, he stated. “It is ironic that the government, which recently claimed it was not its duty to help ADCs in dealing with employees’ issues, is now suddenly keen to take over salary payments,” he remarked.
Basaiawmoit also alleged selective neglect, saying the government has failed to address long-pending salary issues in the GHADC and ignored the concerns of urban constituencies under ADCs, particularly those areas overlapping with municipal jurisdictions.
Questioning the legality of the government’s move, he asked under which provision of the Sixth Schedule the state could justify paying ADC employees. “If this is not a one-time arrangement, then the government must explain the source of funds and the head of account for these payments,” he said.
Calling on the government to release KHADC’s pending share immediately, Basaiawmoit stated, “why should the government for that matter bother about the success or the failure of the District Councils? It is a known fact that the failure of these ADCs is because of their own doings and corruption. Therefore, if the government is truly concerned about the well-being of the councils, the state government should not hesitate to initiate any inquiry, to find out the real cause that brings ADCs into the present situation. And let the government stay away from the day to day administration of the ADCs.
