The budget session of Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) began today with the tabling of the Rs 13.59 crore deficit budget for 2024-2025.
As per the budget presented by Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat, the expenditure is estimated at Rs 218,22,60,300 while the revenue is estimated at Rs 204,63,23,500. The budget showed a deficit of Rs 13.59,36,800.
Shiwat also informed that financial assistance received from the State government in Financial Year 2023-24 was Rs 17 lakh under Land Reforms Scheme. Further, under the centrally sponsored scheme, the council received Rs 3,54,04,700 as first installment for Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
He also said that the council’s own resources are estimated as Rs 29,38,23,800 while the share of government revenue is estimated at Rs 97,50,00,000 and grants from the government at Rs 77,74,99,700.
Shiwat also said that in order to generate revenues for the JHADC, the council has passed the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (Village and Town Development Council) Bill, 2023 and the bill is awaiting assent by the Governor.
He said that the Village and Town Administration Department will be constituted to handle implementation of building by-laws which according to him would generate income to the council through fees on permission for construction of new buildings.
The CEM said that the council has decided to reduce the strength of its employees to 1286 from 1335. He also said that in order to reduce unnecessary expenditures, an Internal Audit Section has been set up since September 2023.
The budget will be discussed by members of the council tomorrow in the House.
During today’s session, the House also passed a resolution to urge the State government to incorporate Pnar language in the State anthem.