FOCUSS to seek Centre’s help to improve financial position of NE’s ADCs

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 4, 2019

SHILLONG: The ten autonomous district councils of the North eastern region have unanimously decided to seek the Centre’s intervention for strengthening their financial position by amending Article 275 of the Constitution and Goods and Services Tax.

The decision was taken at the third general council meeting of the Forum of Councils Under the Sixth Schedule (FOCUSS) chaired by its chairman Pynshngain N Syiem to discuss on the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, at Pinewood Hotel in the state capital here on Friday. 

It was attended by representatives of all the ten ADCs – Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Dima Hasoa Autonomous Council, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council, Chakma Autonomous District Council, Lai Autonomous District Council, Mara Autonomous District Council and Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council. 

After the meeting, Syiem, also chairman of the KHADC, told reporters that the issue related to the huge financial crisis faced by the all the North East’s ADCs was discussed as at present they are at the mercy of the respective state governments. 

He said the meeting felt that there is a need to strengthen the provisions of the different articles and also the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India so that the ADCs can enjoy maximum financial powers.

He said Article 275, which by law provides revenue to the states, has no proviso to earmark financial assistances to the ADCs. 

Moreover, Syiem also pointed out that the ADCs were also deprived share from the revenue collected under the Goods and Services Tax as this it is enjoyed only by the Centre and the states. 

“In view of this, we have decided to send a proposal to the Central government for amendment of the Article 275 so that there is a proviso saying that specific amount should go to the ADCs,” the chairman said. 

“We would also write to the Centre requesting that the ADCs should also get share from the revenue collected under the GST. This will further improve the financial position of the ADCs in the region,” he added. 

At the same time, he said Forum also suggested that the revenue from the power sector should be provided to the ADCs. 

On the other hand, the Forum has also resolved to send a resolution to the parliamentary standing committee, which is looking into the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule, for extending the time to submit the views and suggestions by all stakeholders. 

Syiem further informed all the Councils have been asked to send their views and suggestions on the proposed amendment within this month, so that the same can be compiled by the office of the Forum. 

“We will then call an emergency meeting in the Bodoland Territorial Council to finalise the views and suggestions from the different councils on the proposed amendment,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Forum has also decided to constitute a sub-committee to look into the drafting of its constitution and election procedures of the office bearers. 

On the proposed move to nominate members of the unrepresented tribes in the ADCs, Syiem said the Forum will look into this issue on whether such inclusion is in conflict with the provisions of the Sixth Schedule. 

He also maintained that the views and suggestions submitted to the state governments will also be included in the draft proposal of the Forum. 

Asked on the stand of the Forum with regards to the abrogation of Article 370, the chairman said that he doesn’t see that the decision of the Centre would affect the Sixth Schedule.

He reiterated that the meeting today was to discuss on the strengthening of the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to protect the interest of the tribal people and strengthen the financial position of the district councils. 

To another query, Syiem said that the Forum is yet to think about taking up the issue related to the inter-state boundary disputes.