Budget tabled, revenue jump assured

SHILLONG, JUNE 18: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pynshngainlang N Syiem presented an estimated budget of Rs 88, 22, 39, 630 for 2013 – 2014 during the first day of the budget session of the council on Tuesday.

Syiem however said the total expenditure estimated, however,  is relatively high compared to the expected revenue to be received by the council during the current fiscal year. But he assured the executive committee is committed to find ways and means to improve the financial position through revenue collection from the different sources”.

While placing the budget on the floor of the house, Syiem said, “The total expenditure estimated is higher compared to the revenue which the council will receive is Rs 88,22,12,020.”  He also added that there is a deficit of Rs 27, 610.

Stating that various developmental activities were implemented through the grant that was sanctioned under the 13^th Finance Commission, Syiem  said this also included the pilot project on rain water harvesting, sanitation and drinking water, awareness and capacity building at Umsawli.

Syiem also informed that the executive committee has also sanctioned the work order for the implementation of eleven village courts besides renovation of the council’s main building in Shillong and its office branches at Nongpoh, Nongstoin and other places.

Syiem told the house that the council has further taken the initiative to preserve and conserve the sacred forests across the Khasi hills region. He said, “We have submitted the scheme proposals to the state government for sanctioning of funds under the 13^th Finance Commission of which the approval is expected within this year.”

On the shares from minerals, Syiem said while the revenue shares from mineral resources (coal, limestone and others) received by the council from the  state government have increased but still it is not up to the expectation. He informed that the total royalty collected from these mineral resources were never made known to the council till today.

So far, Syiem informed the state government has release the advance shares till 2009-2010, and assured the house that the EC would continue to pursue the matter with state government for the earlier release of the outstanding shares to the council.

Syiem also said that the EC has also decided to strengthen its law department by proposing to create a new post of a law officer and a law assistant of which their functioning would centered on dealing with law related issue of the council.

Syiem  further informed the house that the proposed Monolith Festival has been decided to be held on October next as soon as the construction of the ‘Khasi Heritage Village’ aiming at showcasing the rich cultural and heritage is completed.

.Meanwhile, before passing of the budget, discussion on the estimate would be place before the floor of the house during the fourth day of the session on June 21.- By Our Reporter