Shillong, Sep 21: BJP state vice-president, Tura MDC and former militant leader Bernard N Marak has urged the Centre to release Rs 664 crore for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) but only if the state government convenes the Monitoring Committee meeting as per the Garo Accord.
Marak emphasised that the state government has long ignored the implementation of the Agreement, leading to the present crisis in GHADC. He stressed that the state should convene the meeting with the signatories of the agreement to resolve the crisis at the earliest.
The GHADC has been facing financial difficulties, with allegations of misutilization and misappropriation of central funds. Marak pointed out that the signatories of the agreement have been keeping a close eye on the funds and have emphasised the need to form the State Finance Committee before releasing funds to ensure accountability and transparency.
The letter written by Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar D to the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, requested Rs 664 crore for the GHADC, with Rs 308 crore meant for Forest and Environment activities. The ministry has asked the state government to hand over the funds to the council, but Marak emphasised that the state government should not take advantage of the agreement.
Marak also criticised the state government for delaying the implementation of the accord while trying to benefit from it over the last 11 years. He urged the state government to initiate non-partisan talks with the former breakaway group to resolve the issues.
The GHADC has been facing several challenges, including financial mismanagement and lack of transparency. Marak’s demand for the release of funds is seen as an attempt to address these issues and ensure that the GHADC functions effectively.
