MDCs oppose govt’s move to utilize funds sanctioned for ADCs

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 11, 2021

Opposition MDCs in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) have strongly opposed the state government’s decision to utilize the funds sanctioned by the Centre to the autonomous district councils (ADCs) in the state.

A delegation of MDCs under the banner of the United Democratic Forum (UDF) has also sought the intervention of the KHADC chief, Titosstarwell Chyne into this matter during a meeting held on January 8.

According to UDF secretary Charles Marngar, the state government through its Public Health Engineering (PHE) department has decided to implement the tied grants of Rs 91 crores which was sanctioned to the ADCs under 15^th Finance Commission.

He said the decision was taken by the state government on October 15 and the same was communicated to the secretary of the executive committee, KHADC on November 18, last year.

“The delegation have expressed strong opposition against this move by the state government as this will deprive the members from extending their services in terms of sanitation and water supply in their respective constituencies,” he said.

“We cannot accept the excuse given by the government that it was due to the implementation of the jal jeevan mission (JJM),” Marngar added.

Meanwhile, the UDF secretary informed that the KHADC CEM has assured the delegation to take up the matter seriously and to ensure that the state government should release the grants to the district council.