Shillong, Sept 9: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge District Council Affairs (DCA) Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday said the state government does not have any intention of encroaching or infringing into the powers of the three autonomous district councils (ADCs)  through its proposed “bailing out packages”.

According to him, the government’s decision to constitute a state committee and three sub-committees is aimed at ensuring long-term financial stability and initiating reforms in the ADCs.

Replying to a short duration discussion moved by VPP legislator from Nongkrem Ardent Basaiawmoit, Tynsong said the committees’ terms of reference include engaging with the ADCs, seeking their consent, and discussing reforms such as recruitment policy, service matters, and procurement policy.

“The terms of reference (of these committees) itself speaks that there is no hidden agenda at all as mentioned by the Nongkrem MLA, who alleged that the exercise was to have some kind of indirect control to all the ADCs, which is not true at all,” he stated.

“I personally feel this is the government who dare to declare or to offer such bailing out packages under the leadership of chief minister. No other government did it so far. This is the only government who did take a very serious not on this inspite of the fact of course we have financial constraints but looking at the state of affairs of the employees of the ADCs so ultimately the government has to step in but it does not mean we over the power of the ADCs. Stepping in means let us go and discuss, let us have an open discussion,” the deputy chief minister explained.

Tynsong highlighted the significant financial challenges faced by the ADCs, citing substantial deficits in meeting salary expenditures.

For instance, the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) generates an annual revenue of Rs 68.98 crore but requires Rs 102 crore for salary payments alone, resulting in a deficit of Rs 33.02 crore.

“Similarly in GHADC, the average of revenue is Rs 14.15 crore whereas they spent on salary alone is about Rs 84 crore and the deficit is Rs 69 crore. This is happening every year. This problem has not started only in 2018-2019, it keeps accumulating. In KHADC, the average revenue is Rs 46.11 crore whereas the expenditure only in salary is Rs 72 crore, the deficit is Rs 25.9 crore annually,” he stated.

“Seeing this trend, it shows that government has to step in. We are not saying that the government will pay the salary till the end but we would like to have some kind of bailing out packages. This is the intention of the government,” the deputy CM further clarified.

Tynsong also announced a significant reform introduced by the government, designating the Department of District Council Affairs as the nodal department for coordination with the ADCs.

This move aims to streamline interactions between the state government and the ADCs, reducing the need for ADCs to directly approach various departments for their shares.

Regarding issues faced by MDCs from urban constituencies, Tynsong mentioned that the government had reached a conclusion to consult with MDCs on scheme proposals under the 15th Finance Commission.

“The 15th Finance Commission has sanctioned the funds through the urban affairs which is to be implemented by the municipal board. It is the policy from the government of India. However, we held a meeting and reach to a conclusion that since this is a policy matter of the government of India but the municipal board will consult with all MDCs falling under the urban areas for any scheme proposal. That was decision taken on May 20, 2025 during a meeting with MDCs from urban areas of JHADC and KHADC,” Tynsong said

“However, I am sure now the 15th FC has ended. When they visited they already called all the ADCs. The state government has also presented this issue before the 16th FC (during its visit to Shillong) if possible to come up with a mechanism which is simple because till today all these 16th FC has to come via Ministry of Panchayati Raj but here we do not have Panchayati Raj,” he said while adding “The issues have been flagged before 16th FC and I am sure we will be able to get a very good response from the 16th FC and may be recommendation will be in our favour to resolve this challenge we had during this last five years.”

While moving the short duration discussion, Basaiawmoit questioned the government’s motives behind this move, citing its earlier stance of not intervening in the financial matters of the ADCs.

The VPP legislator expressed surprise at the government’s change of heart, particularly given its previous reluctance to release funds to the ADCs and its alleged manipulation of the rights of MDCs representing urban constituencies.

He suggested that the government’s decision may be seen as an act of kindness, but it also raises questions about its underlying motives.

Basaiawmoit highlighted the government’s lack of interest in addressing the problems faced by GHADC employees and MDCs from urban constituencies, particularly those not affiliated with the ruling MDA partners.

He pointed out that these MDCs are deprived of schemes and benefits due to the state’s failure to take up their issues with the concerned Ministry.

Participating during the discussion, Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma has referred to the text settlement agreement signed between the Centre, State, and the disbanded Achik National Volunteers’ Council (ANVC) and ANVC (B).

Sangma warned that any attempt to deviate from this agreement would be perceived as a betrayal by the citizens of Meghalaya and the nation.

“Therefore, the honest intent which guided us is reflective of our commitment to strengthen the ADCs. Whereas the stand of the incumbent government is contrary to that intent rather than the intent revolving around the need to further strengthen (the ADCs) by giving effect to this agreement, dilution of the power, that is something which draws serious concern because there has been time when certain subjects vested with the ADCs were already taken,” he said.

“The power as per the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India in regards to primary education has already been taken over by the state, the reason was because ADCs were not able to pay the salaries to the teachers on regular basis. On the contrary today what agreement we have entered is to see that when we are confronted by similar challenges, we do not need to have any situation where we need to find answers. The answer is already there,” the LO added.

Sangma called on the government to honor the text settlement agreement and find ways to implement its provisions.

“The government to honor the text settlement agreement and see how this responsibility can be fulfilled by somehow seeing we stay glued and honest on the intent of what has been collectively agreed upon in the text settlement agreement,” he stated.

Also Read: Misuse of authority symbols will be dealt with strictly : Govt

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