By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 25: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Executive Committee on Monday defended its decision to suspend the Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Ainam Manik Syiem, citing a repeated failure to remit mandatory statutory dues despite multiple notices.
Executive Member in-charge of Elaka Administration, Denzil R Chen, stated the suspension followed violations of the Khasi Hills Establishment, Management and Control of Markets Regulation Act, 1979. He alleged the Syiem failed to remit the 10 per cent market revenue share required under Section 11(5) of the Act.
Chen noted that while the Hima was issued demand notices, a show-cause notice, and a formal hearing, it failed to comply. He added that the Hima also defaulted on its one-eighth revenue share.
Clarifying the outstanding amount, Chen said the dues from 2018 to date stand at Rs 3.24 crore, dismissing reports of a significantly higher figure.
KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh provided a financial breakdown, noting that Hima Mylliem generated a total revenue of Rs 25.98 crore between 2018-19 and 2024-25. While the Council was entitled to Rs 3.24 crore, only Rs 12 lakh has been deposited so far.
For the 2018-19 financial year, the Hima submitted no formal income records and made only a token payment of Rs 2 lakh. In 2019-20, the Hima reported earnings of Rs 5.20 crore, of which the Council’s share was Rs 65.12 lakh. In 2020-21, recorded income stood at Rs 3.74 crore, making the Council’s share Rs 46.79 lakh; however, only token payments were made during these periods.
Chen maintained there is no legal provision for payment exemptions, adding that any relief granted in previous years was not in accordance with the law. He also alleged procedural lapses, including the Hima’s failure to invite tenders for market tax collection as required by regulations.
The KHADC asserted that the suspension was carried out strictly within the legal framework following persistent non-compliance by the traditional institution.
