Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday reviewed the reform initiatives being undertaken in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), aimed at strengthening the functioning of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) through institutional and administrative reforms.
Chairing a review meeting, the Chief Minister said the state government had recently urged both the councils to work closely with it to modernise their systems and implement a series of key reforms to improve governance and public service delivery.
Sangma expressed satisfaction that both the JHADC and GHADC had accepted the government's proposals and had already initiated the reform process. He said the reform agenda would focus on strengthening service rules, improving financial management, streamlining administrative processes and accelerating digitisation across the councils.
According to the Chief Minister, these measures are designed to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Autonomous District Councils while ensuring that governance becomes more citizen-centric. "The reforms will simplify administrative procedures and improve access to public services.
Citizens will also benefit from easier payment of taxes and other fees through streamlined and digitised systems," Sangma said. He noted that the adoption of technology and improved governance practices would enable the councils to function more effectively while ensuring greater convenience for residents across the tribal areas under their jurisdiction.
The Chief Minister reiterated the state government's commitment to extending all necessary support to the Autonomous District Councils in implementing the reform measures and building stronger institutional capacities. He expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms would significantly improve the overall functioning of the councils and enhance service delivery to the people of Meghalaya.
The Autonomous District Councils in Meghalaya enjoy constitutional powers under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and play a key role in the administration of tribal areas, including matters related to land, customary laws, local governance and resource management.
The state government has been emphasising institutional reforms and digital governance across departments to improve transparency, efficiency and ease of access to public services.