SHILLONG, June 29: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday reviewed reform measures being implemented by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) as part of efforts to modernise the state’s Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
In a statement, Sangma noted that the state government had recently encouraged the ADCs to collaborate on updating their systems and introducing key reforms. He expressed satisfaction that both councils have accepted the proposals and commenced the reform process.
The initiatives focus on service rules, financial administration, administrative procedures, and digitisation. These changes are intended to make the councils more efficient and transparent, facilitating smoother tax payments and improving general service delivery.
“We expect these reforms to bring about significant improvements in the functioning of the District Councils and enhance service delivery for the people,” Sangma stated.
In contrast, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) recently rejected the proposal, which aimed to address recurring delays in salary payments through increased administrative oversight.
KHADC Executive Member in-charge of Finance, Seiborlang Warbah, stated that the council had been informed of a central government proposal to constitute a sub-committee to oversee salary-related issues. While acknowledging financial constraints, Warbah maintained that the KHADC is not facing an “acute financial crisis” that would require accepting the oversight measure.
