Reforms in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) are in an advanced stage, with service rules expected to be ready for implementation by September 1, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Tuesday. He stated that nearly 18 service rules for various departments in each council are being finalised in coordination with the state finance teams.
The Chief Minister said the reforms are part of an administrative and financial restructuring process agreed upon by the GHADC and JHADC in return for financial support from the state government to address salary arrears and other liabilities. He clarified that the reforms will not affect cultural matters of the autonomous councils.
Sangma said a new online revenue collection system is also being developed to improve transparency and efficiency. Under the proposed system, payments related to land pattas, professional tax, trading licences and other services will be routed directly through bank accounts, reducing cash transactions and improving accountability.
He added that the digitisation of revenue processes, including online renewal of pattas in Garo Hills, will streamline operations and enhance public convenience. The reforms aim to strengthen administrative functioning and ensure better financial management within the autonomous district councils.
While GHADC and JHADC have agreed to implement the reforms, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has opted to pursue its own framework, citing concerns over autonomy. The state government, however, maintains that the reforms are designed to improve governance and efficiency without undermining the constitutional status of the councils.