In what is being described as a landmark intervention, the Meghalaya government has decided to take over the financial responsibility of paying salaries to employees of the state’s three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) starting November this year. The announcement was made on Monday by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who said the move was necessary to address the persistent financial instability that has crippled the councils for years. The decision follows detailed consultations held earlier in the day with the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). Sangma revealed that the GHADC requires over ₹70 crore annually to meet its salary obligations, but its own revenue generation stands at less than ₹30 crore. Similar financial distress, he pointed out, has been faced by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and, to some extent, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
Describing the step as “historic,” the chief minister said the takeover will allow the councils to concentrate on their constitutional duties and cultural responsibilities without being weighed down by constant salary crises. “The ADCs are vital institutions as custodians of tribal culture, traditions, and land-holding systems. Our intention is only to bring financial stability and ensure salaries are disbursed on time so that the councils continue to function effectively,” Sangma said. Created under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the district councils enjoy special legislative, administrative, and judicial powers. These include authority over land use, forest management, traditional institutions, village administration, and the preservation of tribal customs. However, in recent years, the councils have struggled to pay staff regularly, sparking protests and eroding confidence in their functioning.
To ensure a smooth transition, the government will constitute a committee that will work with all three councils to finalise modalities within 45 days. The chief minister clarified that the move would not interfere with the jurisdiction or autonomy of the councils. “We are stepping in only to bring stability. The councils will continue to run their day-to-day affairs independently, as envisaged in the Constitution,” he assured. Sangma further informed that Governor C H Vijayashankar has been apprised of the decision, and the matter will be presented before the state Cabinet for final approval. Once cleared, the new arrangement will come into force from November.