By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 21: The state government is likely to release an additional Rs 19 crore in financial assistance to the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) next week, pending the return of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma from Delhi, sources informed on Friday.
On Friday, a delegation from the JHADC, led by Chief Executive Member (CEM) Thomor Shiwat, called on Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar to discuss pressing issues facing the Council. The meeting was informal, but sources say further discussions are expected as the JHADC seeks greater financial support to stabilise its operations.
The JHADC team plans to meet the Deputy CM again soon to push for additional government backing aimed at improving the council’s financial standing.
Previously, the state government had announced a Rs 39 crore relief package for the JHADC, coupled with plans for structural reforms. The package was unveiled following a high-level meeting in Jowai between the chief minister and the JHADC leadership.
As part of the relief, Rs 20 crore has already been sanctioned from pending dues, with the remaining Rs 19 crore to follow.
These funds aim to address salary backlogs and support the council’s basic operations, which have been strained due to the ongoing ban on coal mining.
The government had also stressed the need for administrative reforms within the council.
Follow-up meetings, led by the Deputy Chief Minister, are expected to pave the way for detailed financial consultations to build a long-term, sustainable framework for the JHADC and other autonomous bodies in Meghalaya.
