Meghalaya | NPP mooted idea of funding ADCs, not introduction of Panchayati Raj: CM Conrad Sangma

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RANGSAKONA:

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday dispelled claims of the NPP-led government’s attempt to introduce the Panchayati Raj in Meghalaya.

Slamming the Congress for allegedly spreading lies, Sangma said that the National People’s Party (NPP) had mooted an idea of funding the councils in Meghalaya in line with the Panchayat system and Municipal Boards.

The Chief Minister made the statement while addressing a gathering at Rangsakona in South West Garo Hills to gain support from party candidates.

“During the visit of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Shillong recently, I had made an opinion that district councils in the state should also be included in the clause for release of funds from the Finance Commission like it is being done for Panchayat and Municipal,” Sangma said.

He further said that because of the government’s intervention, the Finance Commission has released Rs 700 crore for district councils in Meghalaya.

“I have never demanded the introduction of Panchayat System, but have propagated the idea of including district councils also for inclusion under Finance Commission for release of funds,” Sangma said.

Seeking the people’s mandate, Sangma said that the people of Garo Hills should unite to support the NPP so that “the State Government can work with district councils to ensure that the Council is further strengthened.”

Sangma, who is also the national president of the NPP, said that the NPP rules the State Government, “and it is important that the ruling party is elected as the Executive Committee in the council… to facilitate development and welfare interventions.”

(Edited by Ibankyntiew Mawrie)

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