By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 30: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Leader of Opposition, Titostarwell Chyne, has stated that the Council is still awaiting the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to release the second instalment of tied and untied grants earmarked for rural local bodies under the 15th Finance Commission.
Chyne, who previously served as Chief Executive Member (CEM), explained that the delay is due to the Ministry’s recent introduction of a mobile application, requiring the council to update the status of ongoing schemes. He noted that Council engineers must upload photos to reflect the progress of the work.
“It is a good initiative to ensure the timely implementation of schemes. It will also facilitate the timely release of funds from the ministry,” he said, comparing the new application to the system used for MGNREGA.
Chyne further stated that the previous Executive Committee (EC) had issued the final work order for the second instalment of tied and untied grants for the year 2021-2022. However, contractors have been unable to proceed with the work due to the council awaiting the full functionality of the mobile application.
Chyne also mentioned that Executive Member in charge of Development, Powel Sohkhlet, had clarified the matter in response to concerns raised in the House.
Earlier, the opposition had expressed frustration over the delays in implementing the grants.
During the final day of the recently concluded budget session of the KHADC, NPP MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri raised the issue, stating that contractors (Contd on P-4)
KHADC awaits second…
(Contd from P-3) in her constituency who had received the final order for the first instalment were still unable to commence work.
Providing details on the funds received under the 15th Finance Commission, Sohkhlet informed that for the year 2020-2021, Rs 40.95 crore was allocated for both untied and tied grants. For 2021-2022, Rs 24.25 crore was allocated for untied grants and Rs 36.45 crore for tied grants.
He added that work had been completed for 2020-2021, but the central government had only released the first instalment for 2021-2022.