Shillong, Oct 9:The executive committee of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), led by the Voice of the People Party (VPP), again rejected the proposal of the state government to take over the payment of salaries for its employees.
Today’s rejection was made known to the government during a meeting through East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah. This is the second time that the KHADC has rejected the offer.
The Meghalaya government has proposed to pay the salaries of all three district councils in the state from November 1 so long as reforms are implemented. The offer was prompted by the dire financial situation of the Garo Hills ADC. However, there are fears that such a move would harm the autonomy of the councils and the KHADC has rejected it.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, KHADC Chief Executive member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh reiterated that the KHADC’s stand has been the same since day one.
“The district council and the EC will not accept the proposal of the state government but there are certain issues which can streamline the functioning of the council,” the CEM said.
Declining to spell out the other issues, Lyngdoh, however added that it is for the sustainability and the future plans for the KHADC.
The CEM said that on the issue of royalty which is supposed to be shared by the government to the KHADC, he informed that during the meeting with Kurbah, he urged the state to increase the share especially on major minerals.
Stating that the district councils do not get their share of royalties on time, Lyngdoh informed that during their meeting with the DC, they stressed on timely payment.
“If the government thinks it has the vision or responsibility to help the district council, shares from royalty should be released on time so that the institution functions smoothly,” the CEM stated.
He also stated that if the government wants to help the autonomous district councils, it should do so in the form of grants.
