Shillong: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has accused the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government of deliberately withholding Rs 41.5 crore in funds. Winston Tony Lyngdoh, the Chief Executive Member of the council, described the delay as a case of politically motivated financial sabotage aimed at an opposition-led body.
The council is waiting for Rs 29 crore in transport and minor mineral revenue shares, alongside a Rs 12.5 crore grant from the 15th Finance Commission. Lyngdoh noted that while the state has disbursed similar funds to the Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills councils, the KHADC remains neglected. He stated, “The State government has released the funds to the JHADC and the GHADC, but KHADC is still waiting for its dues. This raises serious questions.”
According to Lyngdoh, the KHADC has submitted four formal reminders to the District Council Affairs department, with the most recent sent on June 5. Despite earlier departmental assurances that portions of the revenue share would be released, no money has reached the council accounts. The delay in the Finance Commission grant is particularly contentious, as guidelines require the state to transfer such funds within 10 days of receipt.
Lyngdoh claimed the council is now owed roughly Rs 35 lakh in interest due to the state's failure to meet these transfer deadlines. The KHADC is demanding the immediate release of the principal amount along with the accrued interest. While the District Council Affairs department cites pending approvals from the Finance Department, the KHADC leadership remains convinced that the administration is using financial pressure as a tool of political deception.
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