Shillong, August 26: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said the state government has decided to extend financial support to the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) of Meghalaya, warning that without intervention the councils may fail to pay their employees.

Briefing media after the Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said three Sub-Committees will be constituted to work with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). The committees are expected to submit their reports within 45 days.

Conrad highlighted the precarious financial condition of the councils, noting that the GHADC alone requires about ₹70 crore annually to pay salaries but generates only around ₹25 crore, leaving a deficit of over ₹45 crore.

“The government understands that without intervention, the councils will find it difficult to sustain themselves, and employees may continue to suffer due to non-payment of salaries. That is why we have decided to extend support — but only in terms of finances. The state will not interfere with their powers, traditional rights or constitutional provisions,” he said.

The Chief Minister further informed that reforms will be introduced alongside financial aid. A Principal Secretary will be deputed to oversee financial management, salary disbursal, and adherence to service and financial rules within the councils. Salaries will be routed directly through an escrow account to ensure transparency and timely payments.

“The aid we are offering is an option, not an imposition. ADCs may choose to accept it or not. But our concern is to ensure that employees are not deprived of their salaries and that the councils can continue functioning effectively,” Conrad stated.

The government will decide on specific measures for each of the councils once the Sub-Committees submit their reports.