Rs 39 Crore boost: CM Conrad K Sangma vows relief and reforms for cash-strapped JHADC

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 21, 2025

In a significant move to address the financial crisis plaguing the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday announced a financial package of Rs 39 crore and pledged comprehensive reforms to ensure long-term stability.

During his visit to Jowai, CM Conrad held a crucial meeting with Executive Members of the JHADC, led by Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Minister Comingone Ymbon and Jowai legislator Wailadmiki Shylla.

Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said the council continues to suffer from the ripple effects of past bans on coal mining, which heavily impacted revenue and delayed financial recovery. “The major issue in the JHADC is, of course, the issue of pending salaries and overall financial stability. We have now streamlined mining activities to a large extent, but the financial impact has remained,” he said.

To ease immediate pressure, the CM announced that the state government has sanctioned Rs 20 crore from the dues owed to the council, with another Rs 19 crore expected to be released within two to three weeks.

“That should give some stability and release the pressure on the JHADC,” he added.

Beyond the immediate financial relief, CM Conrad stressed the importance of structural reforms. “We are also discussing future ways in which we can work together to support the JHADC and other district councils—not just financially, but also administratively—to improve their overall functioning.”

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He confirmed that Wednesday’s meeting was only the beginning of a series of discussions. Deputy Chief Minister Dhar will be holding follow-up meetings in the next few days, after which finance-level discussions will take place to chalk out a long-term plan.

“I hope that as we move forward, we’re able to work out a permanent solution for financial stability in the councils. It’s still in the planning stage, so I’ll refrain from giving details now,” CM Conrad said.