Shullai urges Centre to recognize ADCs in national portals 

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 15, 2025

Independent KHADC MDC from Laban Mawprem Ricky Shullai on Wednesday sought the intervention of the state government to take up with the Centre for recognizing the autonomous district councils (ADCs) in the national portal relating to the schemes sanctioned under the 15^th Finance Commission.

“I have met the deputy chief minister in-charge district council affairs (DCA) Prestone Tynsong for requesting the state government to write to the Ministry of Finance to consider recognizing and inclusion of the ADCs in their portals so that we do not need to avail the schemes through the municipal,” Shullai told reporters.

“We are not a department. We are a constitutional body. If the KHADC governs an area, that area must be recognized in every national scheme and portal. Anything else is a violation of the Sixth Schedule,” he said while asserting the need to recognize all stakeholders under the KHADC such as Hima, Raid, Syiem, Durbar Shnong and Rangbah Shnong.

Shullai has raised a strong objection during the just concluded session of the Council, demanding that ADCs be properly reflected in all central and digital platforms.

“This is not a demand for political gain, but a call to uphold constitutional dignity and protect the unique governance structure of tribal Meghalaya,” he said.

He added that the ADCs under the Sixth Schedule are constitutionally empowered to govern land, trade, customs, and identity in Meghalaya.

“Areas under KHADC jurisdiction, including urban areas, do not have ward commissioners or panchayats – they are governed directly by MDCs. With the rollout of digital schemes and geotagged platforms like PFMS, ADCs are not visible in portals, delaying or denying funds. Despite this, the state government decided to route 15^th Finance Commission funds for urban areas via MDCs – without fixing the core issue of ADC recognition,” Shullai stated.

Asked, the MDC said, “How can we take a scheme from a different department? The Centre should recognize the ADCs. It seems there is a communication gap. We should stop availing the schemes because if they don’t recognize the ADCs, there is no meaning implementing the schemes. We are not here for schemes but to protect our identity and culture.”