By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 30: Newly elected KHADC CEM, Winston Tony Lyngdoh has made it clear that both the Executive Committee (EC) and his party will not accept the state government’s proposal to take over the payment of salaries for council employees.
“Our stand is very clear both from the EC and the party. We are not going to accept this proposal of the state government,” Lyngdoh told reporters soon after his election.
He informed that one round of talks has already been held with the government’s sub-committee on the issue, with another and final round expected soon.
“We have given our views to the committee, but so far discussions have only been verbal. Nothing has been submitted in writing since we are still in the discussion stage,” he clarified.
Lyngdoh, however, maintained that the council is not against financial support from the state government.
“If the government is serious about helping us, it should release on time the council’s share of mineral revenues and other dues. It should also consider providing a one-time grant to strengthen the functioning of the council,” he asserted while maintaining that the KHADC is not a sinking ship.
On the council’s ties with the NPP-led MDA government, Lyngdoh said the relationship remains unchanged. “Neither has it worsened nor improved, but both sides are trying to be on the same page on matters concerning the council,” he said.
The CEM revealed that the KHADC has written to the state government at least three times urging the timely release of mineral share revenues, which he described as “quite substantial” and still pending.
He further pointed out that in the past six months, the Council has introduced austerity measures by cutting unnecessary expenses, which helped improve its financial position.
“You must have seen that we have been able to present a surplus budget for 2025–2026 for the first time. There are still areas to be discussed with the District Council Affairs (DCA) Department to enhance revenue generation,” Lyngdoh added.
