Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today said the state government is working towards ensuring that urban constituencies under the autonomous district councils (ADCs) are not left out from availing the 15th Finance Commission grants.
Speaking to reporters, Tynsong said a joint meeting was held involving the Urban Affairs Department, District Council Affairs (DCA) Department and Finance Department to address the issue. “We sat down to discuss the implementation of the 15th Finance Commission grant, which was recommended for all three district councils,” he said.
However, he pointed out that challenges have emerged in implementing the scheme in areas falling under urban jurisdictions like Shillong, Tura and Jowai. “The recommendations are specific to rural areas, and silent when it comes to urban areas under the district councils,” Tynsong said.
To address this gap, the government has directed the Urban Affairs Department to work out a mechanism so that MDCs representing urban constituencies can also access tied and untied funds under the 15th Finance Commission.
“We have entrusted the Urban Affairs Department and asked the Commissioner and Secretary of DCA to coordinate with all three district councils. We are confident the scheme will be extended to urban areas as well,” he added.
Though no specific timeline has been set, the Deputy CM stressed the urgency of the matter, noting that the 15th Finance Commission’s term ends in March 2026. “Only a few months are left. We’ve asked officials to act immediately so that urban MDCs can also benefit,” he said.
