Shillong MP writes to PM on need to strengthen rural development & governance
Shillong MP Vincent Pala has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the need for inclusion of Meghalaya as a beneficiary of devolution of funds available for rural development.
In a letter to PM Modi, Pala mentioned that Meghalaya, which is exempted from the 73rd Amendment Act, has long been deprived of funds that are otherwise devolved to most States and Union Territories covered by the Act as validated by the Finance Commission's allocation to local bodies (rural and urban).
“There has been such an allocation sanctioned by the 15th Finance Commission for Meghalaya for 2021 to 2026. I would like to ensure that such allocations of grants by the Finance Commission are given in future as an entitlement of the State of Meghalaya.” stated the letter.
The MP further stated that the local bodies in Meghalaya used to receive a one-time financial grant from the Centre through state or Council; they do not get regular wages affecting the performance of their duties.
"The local self-governance system has proven to be far more effective even during the COVID lockdown, which almost crippled the rural economies of several other states," Pala pointed out.
"In order that Meghalaya’s entitlement for devolution of funds from the Centre for rural development is formalised....we request the PMO to constitute a commission to study the finer details of their working and suggest measures to legally, constitutionally and financially strengthen them," read the letter.
(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)
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