Shillong: Chief Executive Member of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), Thombor Shiwat, on Thursday said the council is open to accepting the state government’s proposal to take over the payment of salaries to its employees—but only under certain conditions.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister and District Council Affairs (DCA) Minister Prestone Tynsong, Shiwat said, “We will accept the proposal, but with conditions.” The deputy chief minister had sought the council’s stance on the government’s plan, which aims to ease the financial burden on the council.
While the JHADC has not yet submitted its formal response, Shiwat clarified that the council’s conditions revolve around the control and management of its own revenue sources. He said the JHADC wants to handle the collection of revenue from mines, minor minerals, and transport—areas that are presently under the state government’s purview.
“Our goal is to reduce dependence on the state and strengthen the council’s financial autonomy,” the CEM explained.
On the question of pending financial matters, Shiwat said the council is awaiting the state government’s assessment of the revenue shares due to the JHADC for the past five to six months. Once the figures are finalised, he said, the council will determine its next steps.
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