Shillong, Jun 29: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday announced the launch of reform initiatives in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) to modernise governance, improve financial management and make the councils more transparent and citizen-friendly.
The chief minister said the reforms have been initiated after the two autonomous district councils expressed their willingness to strengthen their institutional systems and improve governance.
“We had recently asked them to work closely with the government to modernise their systems and introduce key reforms. Glad that the two councils accepted the proposals and the reform process has now begun,” Sangma said on X.
According to Sangma, the reform agenda will focus on framing of service rules and the acceleration of digitisation in council functions. The intention is to create a governance structure that is not only efficient and transparent but also responsive to the community’s needs, he said.
Moreover, these reforms will facilitate easier access to public services, allowing citizens to pay taxes and other fees conveniently, he added.
Sangma expressed confidence that these initiatives would significantly elevate the functioning of the JHADC and GHADC, ultimately enhancing service delivery across the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo Hills regions.
The JHADC and GHADC are governed by Executive Committees headed by the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance party while the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council is led by the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP).
