Shillong, Jan 12: The state government has repeatedly interfered in the functioning of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), Tura MP Saleng A Sangma alleged today, and this could weaken the Sixth Schedule framework in Meghalaya.
Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the National People’s Party (NPP) leadership has begun camping in Garo Hills ahead of the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections. He alleged that the move was aimed at damage control following what he described as the government’s role in creating a financial crisis in the GHADC.
Sangma recalled that GHADC employees went unpaid for 42 months despite substantial funds being sanctioned by the Union government through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the 15th Finance Commission. He questioned whether the council had made public any progress reports or disclosed revenue collected from major and minor minerals.
Terming the state government’s recent decision to set up an escrow account for the GHADC as a “gimmick,” Sangma said such steps undermine the autonomy of district councils. He added that once the state government begins intervening in council matters, the institution can no longer be considered autonomous.
Expressing concern, the MP said the continued interference could eventually jeopardise Meghalaya’s Sixth Schedule status. He also pointed to reported moves to introduce Gram Sabha and Panchayati Raj systems at the village level.
While stating that there was nothing wrong with the Chief Minister visiting Garo Hills and making commitments ahead of elections, Sangma, of the rival Congress Party, said such assurances should have been made much earlier. He also cautioned against making promises without implementation.
Referring to the CM Connect programme where the CM holds town hall-style meetings with the public, the MP said that merely assuring action after hearing public grievances was not enough, and that issues must be resolved on the ground.
