Jowai, March 26: The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), Thombor Shiwat, on Wednesday placed a Rs. 11.32 crore deficit budget of the council for the financial year 2025-26, amounting to Rs. 257.23 crores.

While addressing the House, Shiwat extended his regards to all his old friends and newly elected member to the JHADC stating that the members should be united and responsible to uplift and build up JHADC.

“For this ensuing financial year 2025-2026 bears an Estimated Receipts of Rs. 245,90,55,900/- (Rupees Two Hundred Forty Five Crore Ninety Lakh Fifty Five Thousand Nine Hundred) only as against the Estimated Expenditures of Rs. 257,23,44,200/- (Rupees Two Hundred Fifty Seven Crore Twenty Three Lakh Forty Four Thousand Two Hundred) only thus reflecting a deficit of Rs. 11,32,88,300/- (Rupees Eleven Crore Thirty Two Lakh Eighty Eight Thousand Three Hundred) only,” stated Shiwat.

He further explained that during the current fiscal year, the Council was able to pay the allowances for a total of 15 months following the release of pending dues from the State Government in January 2025.

Shiwat informed that Rs. 6,32,400 was rescued from the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), the Council received Rs 6.32 lakh during 2024-2025 and from the tied and untied grants, the Council implemented 422 schemes and projects in both East and West Jaiñtia Hills, such as roads, drinking water supply, fencing retaining walls, and distribution of CGI sheets.

He also lauded the previous Executive Committee for its efforts, particularly in completing the Jaintia Dorbar Hall, which was inaugurated in October 2024 despite financial constraints. He acknowledged past reforms such as the resolution of July 28, 2020, which helped reduce the number of employees in the Council from 1490 to 1215 in a span of four years, which has helped the Council curb unnecessary expenses.

He urged all members to work together in the interest and welfare of the people of Jaintia Hills, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to good governance and close cooperation for the development and prosperity of the people of Jaiñtia Hills.