PN Syiem lauds NDA government

A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Feb 24: The Chairman of the Forum of Council under Sixth Schedule (FOCUS) P. N Syiem has lauded the BJP led NDA central government for releasing a ‘special assistance grant’ to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in the state and the north eastern region during the fincial year 2015-2016.

“As chairman of the Forum of Council under Sixth Schedule (FOCUS) I’m very pleased that the cetral government has sanctioned a special assistance grant of Rs 1000 crore for the ten ADCs in the north eastern region during 2015-16,” KHADC chief and FOCUS chairman PN Syiem said here on Wednesday.

He felt the central government should continue the ‘special assistance grant’ until the ADCs are being included under the Article 280 of the Constitution.

From the Rs. 1000 crore sanctioned for the ten ADCs in the north eastern region, Meghalaya has been granted Rs. 267.4 crores.

Syiem informed that the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) will receive Rs 133.12 crore, Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) Rs.100. 71 crores and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) Rs. 33. 57crores.

He said during their discussions under the banner of FOCUS with officers of the Home Ministry on the non availability of funds with regards to food and fince they had assure them that they should not be worried on this issue since the Home Ministry including the Fince Ministry will be taking care of the issue by setting up a temporary arrangement in order to fund the ADCs.

Syiem said that they have also submitted a proposal urging the centre to include the ADCs under Article 280 of the Constitution.

He added, “The Home Ministry is already on the job to amend the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.”

According to him with the amount of funds the centre has granted the ADCs in the state they will be able to achieve their goals.