Govt told to take up dist councils’ representation issue with Centre
SHILLONG, May 14: Current web portals run the central government do not accept proposals submitted by the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) while it approves the same from Panchayats, Municipal Bodies, and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs).
Lamenting this situation, KHADC independent MDC Ricky Shullai, on Wednesday, called on the state government to take up with the Centre the issue of proper representation of ADCs on all central and digital platforms.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Shullai pointed out that areas under KHADC jurisdiction — including urban areas — do not have Ward Commissioners or Panchayats adding that they are directly governed by MDCs.
“With the implementation of digital schemes and geo-tagged platforms like the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), ADCs remain invisible on these platforms, leading to delays or denial of funds,” Shullai explained.
Despite this digital exclusion, Shullai noted that the state government has routed 15th Finance Commission funds for urban areas through the MDCs, without addressing the core issue of official recognition of ADCs on national platforms.
Raising the issue strongly in the Council, he demanded that ADCs be appropriately acknowledged in all central schemes and digital systems. “This is not a political demand,” he clarified. “It’s about upholding constitutional dignity and protecting the unique governance structure of tribal Meghalaya.”
“We are not a department. We are a constitutional body. If the KHADC governs an area, that area must be recognised in every national scheme and digital portal. Anything else is a violation of the Sixth Schedule,” he asserted.
Shullai also highlighted that in his Laban-Mawprem constituency, only Lawsohtun is currently receiving benefits under schemes sanctioned by the 15th Finance Commission. Emphasising the constitutional role of ADCs, he said the Sixth Schedule empowers them to govern matters related to land, trade, customs, and identity — functions vital to safeguarding tribal autonomy in Meghalaya.
Earlier on Tuesday, Deputy CM Tynsong had assured a KHADC delegation about taking up the aforementioned issue with the Centre. The delegation was led by KHADC CEM, Shemborlang Rynjah. JHADC Leader of Opposition, Andrew Awhai Shullai, was also present on the occasion.
Talking to reporters, Executive Member in-charge Development department, Powell Sohkhlet said that the issue which they have apprised the Deputy Chief Minister that the MDCs falling under the urban constituencies in both JHADC and Jowai are not getting benefit of the scheme sanctioned under the 15th Finance Commission since they fall under the municipal.