OUR CORRESPONDENT
HAFLONG: The Dima Hasao District Congress Committee (DCC) on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Assam through the District Commissioner, urging his intervention and sustained monitoring of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) amidst growing concerns of administrative indiscipline and financial irregularities.
The memorandum, signed by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) General Secretary Nirmal Langthasa and Dima Hasao DCC President Haijarangbe Nriame, alleges that NCHAC was operating in a state of indiscipline and had incurred massive financial liabilities due to mismanagement.
For the first time, the district is reportedly facing an acute financial crisis, with liabilities exceeding Rs 300 crore, accumulated over the past three years. This figure was acknowledged by both leaders and workers within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as reflected in a series of protests staged by party workers demanding corrective measures.
The memo further pointed out that the council had failed to accord administrative approval and financial sanction to complete projects, resulting in mounting liabilities. The memo questioned how the financial burden continued to grow despite most sector employees being absorbed into the state sector, and thus their salaries being paid by the state government, and a gradual rise in council revenue.
One of the grave concerns highlighted included unpaid gratuities owed to retired employees, who had entrusted the council with their post-retirement security. “The NCHAC’s inability to clear these dues is deeply distressing and warrants a thorough investigation,” the memorandum states.
DCC member Bapojit Langthasa alleged a lack of transparency in the council’s functioning, accusing the administration of misusing funds allocated for schemes and developmental works. Speaking to this correspondent on Thursday, APCC General Secretary Nirmal Langthasa emphasized that the district’s economy was heavily reliant on the financial health of NCHAC. He expressed dismay over the ongoing crisis, which he said had significantly impacted both the economic stability and daily lives of the district’s residents.
Langthasa further added that the financial crisis was unprecedented, especially in light of an increased State Annual Plan and rising council revenue receipts. He attributed the situation squarely to financial mismanagement within the council administration.
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