Meghalaya: BJP MDC Bernard writes to CM, seeks equal distribution of funds in GHADC

In a letter to the chief minister, Marak expressed his concern over the unequal distribution of grants against BJP

Copy edited by Bhargobi Khaund

Member of the District Council (MDC) from Tura, Bernard N Marak has asked Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to intervene in the allocation of development funds in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). In a letter to the chief minister dated October 15, Marak expressed his concern over the unequal distribution of grants, alleging bias against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) within the council.

Marak pointed out that despite the NPP (National People’s Party) being in a coalition with the BJP at both the central and state levels, the GHADC executive committee, led by the NPP, appeared to treat the BJP as an opposition party. This bias, according to Marak, extends to the allocation of development funds provided by the central government through the Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) under the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC).

“I am a BJP MDC and NPP is in coalition with BJP in the Center and the State but in GHADC, NPP has treated BJP bias in all activities even in distribution of developmental funds sanctioned by the BJP Government in the Center through the Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) under Fifteen
Finance Commission (XV FC). Tura constituency is the biggest constituency among the GHADC constituencies having the highest number of population and voters. Biasness by NPP led Executive Committee has deprived the people of Tura of basic facilities which could have been provided through the funds sanctioned by the center government. Hence, I request you to kindly look into the matter and direct your Executive Committee to stop treating BJP as opposition and distribute the basic grants (tied and untied) equally to all so that the people gets the benefit. Kindly, acknowledge this prayer and stop discrimination other non NPP MDCs in GHADC as it affects the people they represent,” said Marak

The MDC specifically raised concerns about the prestigious Tura constituency, which is also the Chief Minister’s area. He noted that the GHADC had allocated only 15 lakhs to Tura, despite it being the largest constituency in the GHADC in terms of population and voters. Marak argued that this partiality had deprived the people of Tura of essential facilities that could have been funded by the central government grants.

Marak’s letter emphasized the need for impartial distribution of both tied and untied grants to all constituencies represented by non-NPP MDCs. He called for an end to the discrimination and requested the Chief Minister’s intervention in this matter.

In addition to the allocation of development funds, Marak also urged Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to address other financial issues facing the GHADC. These include the release of royalty payments and outstanding dues payable by the state government, which would help the GHADC manage its mounting debts. He also emphasized the importance of releasing afforestation funds intended for the GHADC Forest Department and clearing long-overdue Motor Vehicle taxes owed to the GHADC.

“The limited allocation also violates the constitutional right of an elected representative as it deprives the people of the constituency one represents. Tura is a prestigious seat and it has more than 30 villages which I want to be firm that it should not be deprived. The prestigious Tura constituency has been deprived in the past too as merely 10 lakhs was allotted from the tied and untied fund in the past by NPP led Executive Committee. So, I humbly request you to direct your MDCs in GHADC to distribute the fund equally. Secondly, you are requested to release the due amounts payable to GHADC by the state government as royalty and others as GHADC is sinking in debts yet under pressure to pay its employees for last 31 months. You are also requested to pay the afforestation fund released to the state in last 3 years through the agreement signed by ANVC and ANVC.B as it is meant for GHADC Forest Department, not State. Also release the Motor Vehicle taxes to GHADC as state has not cleared its dues for years,” said Marak

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