Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

NCHAC members meet Governor, CM

By CORRESPONDENT

HAFLONG, June 19 - Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member along with the Executive Members of NC Hills Autonomous Council, Dima Hasao district, Haflong met the Governor of Assam PB Acharya on June 17 at the Raj Bhawan in Guwahati. They also met the Chief Minister on June 16 regarding various important issues of Dima Hasao district.

The first topic of discussion with the Governor was on regularisation of salaries of the Council�s Normal sector employees. Governor PB Acharya gave a very positive response and assured the delegation of a discussion with the Chief Minister to sort out the issue relating to payment of pending salaries. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal assured the delegation of finding a permanent solution.

The delegation also proposed to both the Governor and the Chief Minister to increase the grants-in-aid from the present Rs 30 crore to Rs 50 crore annually. Both of them reacted positively to the proposal, stated a press release issued by Samuel Changsan, spokesman, Executive Committee, NC Hills Autonomous Council, Dima Hasao district, Haflong.

The delegation also discussed the matter relating to the share of free power given to the States of Assam and Meghalaya at six per cent each by the NEEPCO Hydro Electric Project at Umrangso, since 1976. The share of free power given to the States needs to be looked into for finding an amicable mechanism involving the concerned States and the district through constitutional and legitimate share distribution. The Dima Hasao district is the most affected entity owing to setting up of the NEEPCO project. The demand for share of free power from NEEPCO by the Dima Hasao district is legitimate as per the provision of the Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution. The Governor of Assam assured to discuss this matter with the Central and the State Governments for a permanent solution.

It is also pertinent to mention here that the huge pending royalties to be paid to the NC Hills Autonomous Council for use of forest produce of the Dima Hasao district by companies and organisations, namely, Dalmia Bharat Cements Ltd, Hindustan Papers Corporation Ltd, Broad Gauge Construction Companies, National Highways Construction Companies etc., is adding to the financial distress of the Council. The Governor supported the view and suggested that the concerned defaulters be approached with a strong message to clear up the legitimate dues of the Council, lest punitive measures against them be initiated.

The Governor is very keen for the development of Dima Hasao district and has instructed the delegation to concentrate on the all-round development of the district and not to compromise while implementing the developmental schemes. He advised the delegation to remain strong and stable and to give good governance so that the public of Dima Hasao would not suffer further due to political instability.

The present Executive Committee of the Council should fully dedicate their time and energy for the betterment of the citizens of the district in particular and the State in general, he added.

Next Story