Shillong, Mar 31: The vote on account of Rs 81.21 crore was passed on Tuesday by Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to be able to defray various charges for three months.

The vote on account amounting to Rs 81, 21, 54,400 will be with effect from April 1 to June 30 this year.

The budget was tabled by KHADC chief executive member Titosstarwell Chyne during the special session.

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.

Of the total Rs 81.21 crore budget allocation, Rs 10,59,45,690 was allocated for General Administration Department, Rs 14,22,480 – Law Department, Rs 1,84,78,300 – Revenue Budget & Finance Department, Rs 2,04,75,050 – Forest Administration Department, Rs 1,12,53,240 – Administration of Justice & Judicial Department, Rs 1,66,19,300 – Legislative Department, Rs 3,31,360 – Education Department, Rs 62,50,59,500 – Civil Works & Development Department and Rs 1,25,69,480 – Enforcement Scheme for protection of Tribal Land & Interest.

The vote on account also aimed at disbursing the salaries of members of the council, chairman, deputy chairman, leader of opposition, executive members (EMs), officers and staffs of the different departments (executive, legislative and judicial).

After passing the budget, the KHADC CEM told reporters that the passing of the budget was crucial in view of the ongoing lockdown and curfew to prevent outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) in the state.

“If we do not pass the budget, we will not be able to disburse salary of the members and staffs of the Council and this may add more problems to the present crisis,” Chyne said.