Shillong, Aug 20: A delegation led by the opposition leader in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Titosstarwell Chyne, has demanded the Chief Executive Member (CEM), Shemborlang Rynjah, to expedite the process of releasing the funds for implementation of the various schemes sanctioned under the 15th Finance Commission.

Addressing media persons, Chyne said that the meeting marks the first time a delegation of the opposition bench has met with the CEM since he took office six months ago.

“After seeing most of the important works are lying pending affecting the smooth functioning of the council, it has prompted us to meet the CEM and seek clarification on few important matters concerning the interest of the public,” he stated.

Chyne informed that one of the key issues raised during the meeting was the sudden discontinuation of payments for bills related to schemes sanctioned under the 15th Finance Commission.

He pointed out that the previous executive committee had released funds to each MDC, and work orders had been issued before the 2024 election.

“However, we have come across a letter submitted by the contractors informing that there has been supsension in the payment of bills, which the council has cited was due to some “technical problems”,” Chyne said adding “We have raised this issue during the meeting with the CEM. The CEM has clarified that there is some technical problem. We hope that within few days, implementation of the schemes under the 15th Finance Commission will resume because this is an online payment for all schemes.”

“We urge the contractors/beneficiaries to bear with us since we have taken up the issue with the CEM,” he said while reiterating that the delay to release the bill payment will no doubt affect the contractors and those who are implementing the schemes.

“We also urged the CEM to speed up the release other payment of bills which have been pending for the past many months. As we all know, here in the KHADC, we first invest in implementing the various schemes and then we get payment of bills later. Therefore, it will affect to a great extent if there is any delay,” Chyne added.

Another issue discussed was the delay in receiving the second installment of funds for 2021-22, both tied and untied grants.

“The CEM informed that the proposal for the same has been submitted by the previous executive committee, but the council is yet to receive funds from Delhi,” the opposition leader said.

“The proposal for the same has been submitted by the previous executive committee. The schemes will be implemented during the current term. However, we are still in the dark,” Chyne said while expressed concern that any delay in issuing work orders would embarrass the MDCs.

Asked, Chyne said, “He (CEM) did not give any assurance but only stated that it will depend on the implementation of the first installment.”

On the role of the council with regards to the migrant labourers, Chyne said the CEM could not give any clarification citing that the matter was brought to his notice only today. The CEM assured to seek clarification from the executive member concerned.

In regards to the Elaka matters, Chyne said the opposition has suggested the need to consult with the local MDCs on such issue. “Yes, we cannot interfere with the functioning of the EC but we only request that the EC should consult or take the view of the local MDC on matters related to the Elaka,” he added.

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