JHADC approves budget estimate of Rs 140.72 crore

JOWAI: The JHADC on Friday unanimously approved a Rs.140.72-crore budget for the financial year 2017-18 on the last day of its budget session.
The budget has a deficit of Rs.1.52 crore with an estimated collection of revenue of Rs.139.19 crore.
During a general discussion before the approval of the budget, lone opposition member Marki Mulieh suggested that the number of casual employees, including drivers and peons, should be reduced to control unnecessary expenditure of the Council.
During the second sitting, Mulieh brought a cut motion but the Chairman rejected the motion stating that it was unclear. Since there was no acceptance from other members, the Chairman declared that the council budget was unanimously approved by the House.
Meanwhile, the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Administration of Justice) Bill, 2017, which was introduced in the House on Thursday, was also approved and the opposition member’s suggestion of an amendment to the Bill was rejected.
The Bill, which empowered the village court, subordinate district council court, district council and additional district council court, will come into effect once it gets the Governor’s approval.
New Elaka Created
The JHADC on Friday approved the creation of Sumer Elaka that was carved out of Raliang Elaka. Sumer Elaka was the only Patorship in Jaintia Hills that was demanding creation of the New Elaka since 1968. However, the then Executive Committee decided to create a Patorship instead of Elaka.
The Chief Executive Member, Thombor Shiwat, informed the House that the creation of the new Sumer Elaka would ease the problem faced by the people in the area.
People of the area had to travel a long distance to reach Raliang village, the headquarters of the Raliang Elaka, the CEM said.
The then Sumer Patorship was situated in East Jaintia Hills while Raliang is in West Jaintia Hills. People from Sumer area has to travel through Sutnga to Phramer and to Shapung to reach Raliang for any official works.
The CEM further said the new Elaka has a population of over 10,000 and it will cover 17 villages, including Pala village as the headquarters, Kseh, Umkyrpong, Mooriap, Lakasein, Samasi, Mynthlu, Krem Myrsiang, Kyrluh, Jalapher Bri-Sumer, Mulait Bri-Sumer, Mookhain, Mynthning, Shyrwang, Larket, Khahnar and Mooknor.
“The Executive Committee will regulate the administration of new Sumer Elaka as provided under section 3 (2), (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of the JHADC (Establishment of Elaka and village and Election Appointment, Powers, Functions and Jurisdiction of Dolloi/Sirdar and Waheh Shnong Act 2015 and the rule made there under,” the CEM informed the House.