SHILLONG:
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), on March 1, passed the budget allocation of Rs 46.27 crore.
However, the budget was allocated only for three months (vote on account) due to the reason that the full budget allocation for 2023-2024 cannot be calculated until the financial year ends.
“The vote on account amounting to Rs 46,27,16,190 will be with effect from April 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023,” KHADC chief executive member Titosstarwell Chyne said while tabling the budget during a first day of the budget session held here.
He informed that the full budget will be tabled in the next session of the Council.
He said the budget will allow respective members in-charge to defray several charges which will come in the course of payment during the period ending June 30.
Chyne also informed that the vote on account budget aimed at disbursing the salaries of members of the council, officers and staff of the different departments (executive, legislative and judicial) including pensioners.
He said the vote on account also included expenditure for developmental works, which the Council had received sanction under the 15th Finance Commission.
After the session, the KHADC chief told reporters that the Council had decided to table a vote on account budget instead of a full budget because auditing is still going on in the Council.
“Therefore, the officers had requested that since they have to attend to the audit, they should be given time to prepare the full budget in the next session,” he said while adding that it is also due to the fact that majority of the MDCs are candidates of the 2023 Assembly elections, the results of which will be declared tomorrow.
Of the total Rs 46.27 crore budget allocation, Rs 9,29,73,230 was allocated for General Administration Department, Rs 15,37,630 – Law Department, Rs 2,11,70,910 – Revenue Budget & Finance Department, Rs 2,38,94.710 – Forest Administration Department, Rs 1,45,17,810 – Administration of Justice & Judicial Department, Rs 1,86,66,370 – Legislative Department, Rs 3,40,370 – Education Department, Rs 27,53,18,430 – Civil Works & Development Department and Rs 1,42,96,730 – Enforcement Scheme for protection of Tribal Land & Interest.
Meanwhile, the session was also adjourned till March 6 for passing the vote on account budget.