Electricity problem
Visitors, reporters and members of the opposition faced a tricky situation on the first day of the Council session as replies to queries of the opposition by the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) members were inaudible.
It was noticeable that the microphone on the side of the opposition was working whereas the microphone on the side of the ruling was not which prompted the opposition members to point out the technical glitch.
Opposition leader Manstudy Nongrem said, “Why is the light in the side of the ruling not working? It disturbs the House and we cannot hear properly.”
KHADC chairman LG Nongsiej said, “It is being checked.”
However, even as the session came to an end, the microphone refused to work.
District Council rules
Before CEM P.N Syiem tabled the budget, Mansturdy Nongrem raised a point stating that the budget tabled by the CEM was not according to the Rule 113 (3) of the Assam Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Council) Rules, 1951.
The rule states, “Subject to the provisions of these rules, the District Council Budget shall be prepared and presented with necessary adaptations under the heads, subheads, minor heads, etc, in the form shown in Appendix IV. A copy of such Budget shall be supplied to the members at least seven days before the day on which the District Council Budget is presented.”
Nongrem said, “From what rule has the executive committee applied to bring about the budget?”
Nongrem also asked if there was a different rule or whether the KHADC followed conventions of the Council. Syiem was heard saying that it was following a convention done by the KHADC in the 80s.
Profession tax
CEM PN Syiem said that the enquiry on the misappropriation of Council funds (professional Tax) is still under Police investigation.a