From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, March 26: The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) Budget Session commenced on Wednesday, chaired by Dr. Sankey Shangpung, and will continue until Thursday.
During the session, members were allowed to raise queries after every three points discussed.
Congress MDC, Madonbai Rymbai, sought clarification on pending staff salaries, to which the Chief Executive Member (CEM) responded that six months of salaries were due but expected to be cleared soon.
On administrative matters, Executive Member (EM) H. Nongtdu informed that the Council had appointed three Beat Officers within its jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Congress MDC from Saphai Sahsniang, Rikut Parein, inquired about Land Holding Certificates (LHCs) and Pattas issued in Raliang Elaka.
Executive Member B. Iano responded that 104 LHCs and 35 Pattas had been issued from April 1, 2024, to March 1, 2025, and assured expedited processing for future applicants.
Regarding financial matters, the CEM stated that the last state government allocation was received on January 24, 2025, and market revenue under the Council’s jurisdiction stood at Rs 26,49,411 as of March 1, 2025.
VPP MDC from Nangbah Mihmyntdu, Gresentus Susngi, enquired about cement plant operations in the region. To this, the CEM reported that from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, the seven operational cement plants had produced 1,11,36,276 metric tons.
On market management in Amlarem Sub-Division, VPP MDC from War Central, Jamshaphrang Pohtam, was informed that the Muktapur market generates Rs 60,000 annually, while Dawki market generates Rs 13,750. He also urged the Council to resolve the closure of Jariañ Market, shut since September 26, 2023.
Inquiries were also raised by War Jaintia MDC, Laiawanlamjinghun Khyriam, regarding the LHC application process, to which the Chairman assured improvements in the issuance system.
New Appointments in JHADC
Meanwhile, several new MDCs were appointed to key positions, including Moonlight Pariat (Chairman, Planning Board), Wailaddameshwa Siangshai (Honorary Forest Adviser), Reformingson Lamare (Chairman, Customary Law Committee), Krison Langstang (Chairman, Resources Mobilisation Committee), Wormanship Shadap (Chairman, Land Revenue and Land Reform Committee), and Mihnyngkong Sutnga (Chairman, Rules Advisory Committee).
Additionally, several Council officials were also promoted during the session.
Tribute to former MDCs
As a mark of respect, a moment of silence was observed in memory of (L) Speinlang Rymbai and (L) Ngamthangkhupa Darnei, former MDCs who passed away.
The Council also extended condolences to their families.