SHILLONG, JUN 20: Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne on Friday raised sharp objections during the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council budget discussion, questioning the shift from surplus to deficit and opposing proposed amendments to the KHAD Regulation and Administration of Land Act.
Chyne flagged the financial turnaround in just one year.
“I express my concern because barely a year ago you presented a surplus budget, but this year it is a deficit budget. I don’t know the reason why, just one year after you presented a surplus budget, you now talk loudly about wasteful expenditure. That means there was wasteful expenditure which has turned the budget into a deficit,” he said.
The opposition leader also targeted the Executive Committee’s proposed changes to the Land Act. He noted that Section 16 of the Act mandates “prior consultation with the respective Dorbar” before any notification is issued.
“What surprises me is that in the amendment you have now brought, you have deleted from Section 16 the words ‘after prior consultation with the respective Dorbar’. Why delete the powers of the Dorbar Shnong, the Raids, the Hima, when you want to issue a Notification with them?” Chyne asked.
He argued that the Act was framed to protect Khasi land ownership and that the Council has no land of its own. “Since you are touching the Land Act, I dare to say you are touching my heart, because we framed the Land Act to codify and strengthen the Khasi people’s land ownership. If you no longer need the powers of the Shnong, tell me—where does the District Council have land? The District Council does not own even one inch of land. All land belongs to the Hima, ‘ri Kynti’, and the Raids. Will they allow the KHADC to just issue Notifications without consulting them?” he said.
Chyne further opposed the introduction of a Unique Land Parcel Identification Number and digital survey provisions through the amendment.
“I also want to speak on the Amendment you have brought. Looking at the Amendment you are bringing by inserting Section 8 etc. to introduce a Digital Session, to bring a Unique Land Parcel Identification Number, to carry out a Survey. So, what is this Unique Land Parcel Identification Number? Is it linked to the Government of India? If it is linked to the Government of India, then the community is at risk. The way you have brought the amendment has diluted the very intent of the Act,” he said.
He also sought clarity on the Council’s preparedness for the 16th Finance Commission conditions.
“The 16th Finance Commission has a Basic Performance Grant of 20%. That means from the KHADC’s side, if the Government of India gives 80%, 20% has to be shown from the KHADC’s side. I want to know whether the EC is ready for it,” Chyne said.
