Meghalaya Governor supports direct funding to District Councils

Shillong, Jul 29 (UNI) In order to develop rural areas in a more effective way, Meghalaya Governor M M Jacob urged the Legislators to support the direct funding for Autonomous District Councils in the state.

Speaking at a meeting of the 53 traditional heads at Laitkroh, about 65 km from here yesterday, Mr Jacob said he supported the Direct Funding Bill, passed by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council recently, which he said would jack up rural development in a more effective way.

The KHADC had passed the Bill for direct funding in its winter session last year and was still lying pending with the state government.

As of now the funds for District Councils are channelised through the state government.

'' The state government needs to look into matter as soon as possible in order to assure development at the grassroots level, '' he asserted.

Praising the KHADC for introducing the Bill, Mr Jacob said the Bill would allow various centrally sponsored developmental schemes to reach the people at the grassroots level.

'' The overall development in rural Meghalaya can be brought when developmental activities and its implementation are taken at the grassroots level, '' he stated.

State Minister in-charge for District Council Affairs Prestone Tynsong said the newly introduced Bill, passed by the KHADC, will be examined by the government for its implementation.

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