Shillong, Sep 8: The Meghalaya Indigenous Tribes Constitutional Rights Movement (MITCRM) has written to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, seeking clarification on the proposed payment of salaries to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) of Meghalaya.
The organisation expressed concerns that the proposal could erode the autonomous authority and self-governance mechanisms enshrined in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
It sought details on the decision-making process, questioning why stakeholders, elected members, and representatives of the ADCs were not consulted.
MITCRM said the government should clarify on the nature of the proposal, whether it’s a grant, permanent funding, or loan, and its potential impact on the ADCs’ autonomous authority. It also requested a clear outline of how the proposed aid will be structured, to maintain transparency and prevent misuse.
Emphasising on the need to safeguard and protect the fundamental rights and cultural integrity of indigenous communities, the organisation said the government should ensure that the proposal does not pave the way for the imposition of the Panchayati Raj system.
MITCRM has given the government 15 days to clarify on the matter.
