Shillong, May 20: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the District Council Affairs (DCA) portfolio, on Tuesday chaired a key meeting with representatives from the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) of Meghalaya — Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), and Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tynsong said the discussions focused on the implementation of the 15th Finance Commission grants recommended for the ADCs. However, he pointed out challenges related to areas under urban jurisdictions such as Shillong, Jowai, and Tura, which also fall under the respective ADCs.
“The schemes recommended by the 15th Finance Commission are focused on rural areas, and there is no clear mention about implementation in urban areas. This created confusion as many constituencies within the district councils also cover urban areas,” he said.
Tynsong informed that the state government has now asked the Urban Affairs Department to examine how these grants — both tied and untied — can also be extended to urban constituencies under the ADCs.
“We held detailed discussions today with all three district councils and related departments, including Urban Affairs, DCA, and Finance. We have entrusted the Urban Affairs Department to work out a way forward, and I have asked the Commissioner and Secretary of the DCA to remain in close coordination with the ADCs,” he said.
Although no specific timeline has been set, the Deputy Chief Minister urged all three ADCs to act swiftly. “We’ve told them to work it out as soon as possible, since the 15th Finance Commission’s term ends in March 2026. There are only a few months left to take advantage of the grant. We want to ensure even the elected representatives from urban constituencies under ADCs can benefit from it,” he added.
Tynsong also clarified that discussions are still ongoing and nothing has been finalized yet. “Please don’t take it as final. These urban constituencies may include around three to four in Jowai, five to six in Shillong, and four to five in Tura. All three district councils participated in the meeting. The CEM of KHADC sent representatives, and senior members and officers were present,” he said.
