No question of doing away with ADCs, says Meghalaya CM

SHILLONG: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma has unequivocally stated that the notion of abolishing the tribal district councils in the state is out of the question.

“The councils play a vital role in safeguarding the identity, culture, customs, and heritage of our state and its people,” Sangma emphasized in response to queries regarding demands to dissolve the autonomous district councils in Meghalaya.

“Even though there have been administrative challenges due to various factors, it does not warrant abandoning or dismantling the councils. That is not our objective,” he clarified.

Highlighting the crucial role of the ADCs, Sangma stressed the need to enhance administration, financial performance, and streamline processes to bolster their stability.

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“The ADCs should persist, but we must collectively strive to improve efficiency and revenue generation,” he asserted, expressing confidence in achieving these goals through collaborative efforts.

Sangma chaired a meeting with the three ADCs – KHADC, JHADC, and GHADC – to review their overall functioning.

A special committee, led by the chief secretary, has been formed to spearhead administrative and financial reforms within these councils.

In 2015, social activist Michael Syiem lodged a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Meghalaya High Court, challenging the existence of the three ADCs.

He argued that they had become redundant legislative bodies following the establishment of Meghalaya as a separate state.

Syiem contended that the proliferation of agencies and authorities has hampered the state's growth and development.