By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 28: The state government has defended its proposal to provide salaries to the employees of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), insisting that the move is not a “blank cheque” to the councils but a reform-driven bailout plan without any attempt to dilute the financial powers or autonomy of the councils.
When asked whether the decision could undermine the ADCs’ financial independence, Cabinet Minister and MDA spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh clarified, “It is important to distinguish voluntary funding and something mandatory. In this case, what the government has offered is a reform-based bailout plan because a couple of these ADCs are about to crumble financially. If they carry on with the current style of functioning, revenue collection and staff, they will collapse in three to four years.”
He pointed out that the support will come with strict conditions.
“Support to augment it is reform-based. It is not a blank check to the ADC. They have to tick the right boxes. Why does an ADC need a staff strength of 1,500? To justify it, cut it by half. It is a very positive move, as you know, what the ADCs do also depends on what the state government does—revenue share, minerals. At the point of collapse, we would like to offer a lifeline,” Lyngdoh said.
Highlighting the scale of the problem, the minister stated that staffing has spiralled to irrational levels. “It is a concern. We have to handhold, which is why it is important to appreciate this reformist agenda in the right perspective. We intend to rationalise their staffing pattern. There are councils where, if the entire staff attends the office, there is no space to sit in,” he added.
The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the proposal to take over the salary burden of the three ADCs, but made it clear that such assistance would be tied to financial reforms. The government has emphasised that the scheme will remain optional, leaving it to each council to accept or decline the aid.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, while elaborating on the decision, said it stemmed from the worsening financial condition of the ADCs, which has affected their functioning. To take the process forward, three sub-committees will be set up to hold consultations with the councils over the next 45 days, after which the government will finalise the framework.
The proposal, however, has not gone unchallenged. The Hill State People’s Democratic Party has raised apprehensions that the government’s move could erode the autonomy guaranteed to the ADCs under the Sixth Schedule.
Hynniewtrep Youth Council president Roy Kupar Synrem alleged that the step was designed for “political gain,” particularly with the GHADC elections expected early next year. He warned that once the government begins paying salaries, employees may become answerable to the state rather than to the councils.
The FKJGP’s Garo Hills Zone president, Pritam Arengh, echoed similar fears, saying that while the intent might be good, the measure risks weakening the very autonomy of the councils.