Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday announced that the state government will take over the responsibility of paying salaries of the state’s three autonomous district councils (ADCs) from November to address their persistent financial crisis. Sangma said the decision followed detailed discussions with the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council earlier in the day.
“The annual salary requirement of the Garo Hills council alone is over Rs 70 crore, while its revenue is less than Rs 30 crore. Similar financial constraints are faced by the Jaintia Hills and, to some extent, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council,” Sangma said in a statement. The councils, created under the Sixth Schedule, have legislative, administrative, and judicial powers over land use, forest management, village administration, traditional institutions, and the preservation of tribal customs.
The chief minister assured that the state government’s move would not interfere with the councils’ day-to-day functioning or jurisdiction. A committee will be formed to work out modalities with all three councils within 45 days to ensure a smooth transition. Sangma also informed that he had apprised Governor C H Vijayashankar of the decision and sought his guidance. “As per his directions, the matter will be placed before the Cabinet tomorrow for final approval,” he said.