Budget shift from surplus to deficit is normal, says KHADC EM

SHILLONG, JUN 20: KHADC Executive Member in-charge Finance Seiborlang Rynjah on Friday defended the Council’s shift from surplus to deficit budget and backed the proposed amendment to the KHAD Regulation and Administration of Land Act, calling it necessary to modernize land records.

Replying to the budget discussion, Rynjah said fluctuations are normal.

“A budget that was surplus last year and is now in deficit is normal. A budget changes from one year to another. It cannot be that a budget every year will always be surplus or always be deficit. It depends on revenue collection,” he said.

He attributed the shortfall to reduced central assistance.

“From the CAG report, you will see that there has been a reduction in Grant in Aid which the Government of India is supposed to give to the KHADC through the DCA of the State Government,” Rynjah said.

The EM highlighted welfare steps taken despite fiscal stress. “This is the first time that the EC has increased the wages of Casual workers who have been serving for many years. This was done even amid the Council’s financial crunch,” he said.

On administrative reforms, Rynjah said the Council has strengthened its Land Department. “We have appointed qualified people in the Land Department, because we need to be prepared. When we appoint knowledgeable people, the work runs smoothly,” he said.

He also flagged staffing gaps in Solid Waste Management. “As for Solid Waste Management, which was created through the KHAD Waste Management Act 2020 that received approval in 2022, there is still no staff till now. There is only a member of the Solid Waste Management Cell,” he said.
Defending the Land Act amendment, Rynjah said it is aligned with changing times. “We are bringing an amendment to the Land Act. This amendment is being brought as we move with changing times. When we bring change, there will always be some who do not accept it,” he said.

He clarified that “Land Saving” measures are not aimed at weakening traditional institutions. “The purpose of Land Saving is not to strip away the powers of the Rangbah Shnong, Dorbar Shnong, Hima or Raid. It is only to bring a system that is clear, proper and efficient,” he said.

Rynjah argued that modernization requires investment.

“The Council must strengthen the Land Department by using modern tools and powers as per the times. To do this, funds are needed. The objective of the Digital India Land Record Modernization Program is to improve land record management through support from the Central Government,” he said.

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KHADC opp leader questions deficit shift, slams Land Act amendment