By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Cabinet on Tuesday approved the peace pact signed on Saturday between the ANVC and the Government, giving scope for the empowerment of all the district councils in the State.
The State Government also expected that the Union cabinet would give its nod to the pact at the earliest as the elections are round the corner.
Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma told reporters after the cabinet meeting that the Government decided to set up a committee with members from the State Government, Ministry of Home Affairs , district councils and ANVC to finalise the modalities of the pact and also to extending the same facilities to KHADC and JHADC besides GHADC.
As per the draft agreement, there will be more members in GHADC and the Council will also be given additional subjects for better administration. Besides, the Council will also be strengthened by way of providing financial powers.
To a question, the Chief Minister said that the agreement with the ANVC would automatically lead to strengthening of both KHADC and JHADC and efforts in this regard were on.
He added that the size of the area and population will be considered while fixing the strength of the Councils.
Highlighting the features of the pact with the ANVC, the Chief Minister said that the name of the autonomous body as sought by the militant group will remain the same as GHADC and there will not be any change in its jurisdiction.
According to Dr Sangma, the pact is development oriented and there will be a complete package for rehabilitation of the cadres.
He also ruled out any erosions or dilution of powers of the State due to the strengthening of councils by saying that “there is provision in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution regarding transfer of subjects to the district councils.”
As far as financial empowerment is concerned, the Chief Minister said that finance commissions will be formed to transfer the fund to the district councils for proper accountability.
