Chief Minister and NPP president Conrad K Sangma on Thursday stated that the Congress has spewed lies that the government favours Panchayati Raj system in the State.
Sangma during his election tour to South West Garo Hills said that they had sought funds for the district councils and not introduction of Panchayati Raj. He said that the NPP had mooted an idea for funding for councils in Meghalaya in line with Panchayat system and Municipal Boards.
“During the visit of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Shillong recently, I had made an opinion that district councils in the State, should also be included in the clause for release of funds from the Finance Commission like it is being done for Panchayat and Municipal,” he said.
He stated that because of NPP government’s intervention, the finance commission has decided to release ?700 cr for district councils in the State.
“I have never demanded introduction of Panchayat System, but have propagated the idea of including district councils also for inclusion under Finance Commission for release of funds”.
Later in the evening, Sangma also addressed an election rally at Mahendraganj in South Garo Hills and told the gathering that the government has been able to initiate various development and welfare initiatives, despite COVID-19 pandemic.
He stated that his party was able to restore peace in the State and put all its attention to ensure growth and development.
Stating that Meghalaya is moving ahead with pace, Sangma said, “Some districts are left behind, because the MLAs of those areas are not taking any interest.”
He claimed that Ampati and Mahendraganj MLAs have never raised issues of the constituencies and urged the people that GHADC election has given opportunity to the people of the constituencies to choose MDCs, who will raise voice of the people in council and can also bring the concerns to the State government.
