Summer session of the council starts tomorrow
SHILLONG, June 22: The opposition alliance in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Synrop Liang Iatei (Constructive Alliance), is expected to raise several key issues during the upcoming three-day summer session of the Council beginning Tuesday.
Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne said on Sunday that the alliance will seek clarification from the Executive Committee (EC), led by the Voice of the People Party (VPP), particularly on the issue of toll gates operated by the Council.
The matter gained traction after the Ri-Bhoi district administration shut down a re-established toll gate at Umdihar along National Highway 6 in May. The gate had previously been removed from the same location in September 2023. Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal had stated that the gate was dismantled and sealed due to the absence of approval from the competent authority.
Apart from the toll gate issue, Chyne said the opposition will also raise growing concerns over crimes against women and seek clarification on the EC’s policies regarding the protection of the rights and customs of the Khasi indigenous community.
He further stated that the alliance will demand clarity on the Council’s land registration procedures, particularly concerning the issuance of land right certificates.
However, Chyne noted that the highlight of the session will be the debate on the full budget for the financial year 2025–2026, to be presented by the EC.
“We are eager to see the kind of budget the EC will bring to the House,” he said.
The full budget will be presented by Executive Member in charge of Finance, Seiborlang Warbah, on the first day of the session, June 24.
KHADC Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana had earlier informed that no new bills have been submitted for tabling during this session.
The second day of the session has been set aside for private members’ business, while the budget is expected to be passed on the final day, Thursday.
It may be recalled that on March 29, the Council passed a vote-on-account of ₹34.44 crore for the April–June 2025 period. The VPP-led EC was unable to present the full budget during the March session due to time constraints.