JNC questions Govt’s move to pay ADC employees’ salaries

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 1, 2025

The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has expressed strong reservations over the state government’s decision to take over the payment of salaries for employees of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), warning that it could affect their autonomy and financial stability.

The JNC questioned the legal basis of the decision, asking, “Which section of the Sixth Schedule empowers the government to disburse salaries to ADC employees? The Sixth Schedule does not seem to contain any provision that permits this. Will this be legally sustainable? What effect will this have on the autonomy of the ADCs?”

It further raised concerns that the move could weaken the authority of the councils. “If the state is responsible for salaries, will ADC staff be regarded as state employees or council employees? Will state approval be required for new ADC appointments? Have the MDCs now become mere extensions of the state?” the JNC asked.

The organisation also sought clarity on whether salaries would be deducted from ADC revenues generated from minerals, transport, and forestry, and whether the state or the councils would retain responsibility for professional tax. It also questioned how the state government plans to fund salaries across all three ADCs.

As a way forward, the JNC said the councils must strengthen their financial resources and limit appointments to levels they can sustain. It further urged the government to provide a transparent account of revenue generated from minerals, transport, and forestry and to ensure the ADCs receive their due share without delay.