Shillong, Oct 23: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) is facing a delay in receiving the second installment of tied and untied grants for 2021-2022, with Executive Member (EM) in-charge land, development and information technology Powell Sohkhlet stating that the council cannot provide an assurance as to when the funds will be received.
Replying to a query raised by NPP MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri on Thursday, Sohkhlet explained that the council is working hard to fulfill the guidelines of the 15th Finance Commission, including uploading schemes on the e-portal, making online payments, and completing online auditing of accounts for 2020-21.
However, the council has faced numerous technical issues with the portal, which has slowed down the process.
Kharpuri expressed disappointment and frustration, stating that the delay has put many MDCs in difficulty and urged the EC to expedite the work to ensure the immediate release of the second installment.
She also raised concerns about the council’s failure to release necessary funds and pay bills for work completed, and questioned why contractors are being asked to return to Shillong multiple times.
Sohkhlet replied that the council is waiting for communication from the state government on whether work on four bridges can be done in phases, as the sanctioned funds are only 50% of the total amount.
He also stated that online payment is now working, and bills of contractors will be released accordingly.
Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne questioned the reason behind the delay, and Sohkhlet replied that the council has to fulfill all the criteria as per guidelines of the finance commission, including online auditing, which is a major challenge for the council’s officers.
Chyne also raised concerns about the 15th finance commission ending, and whether the council will still receive the second installment of tied and untied grants.
“Many MDCs had urged beneficiaries, including churches and schools, to submit proposals with the promise to give them a scheme, and now because of this, it has made the MDCs look like they are liars.”
Sohkhlet replied that the schemes under the 15th finance commission were for 2021-22, and the VPP-led EC took over in 2025, and that the delay is due to the council going offline instead of online.
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