Shillong, Oct 4: Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Northeast have decided to urge the Centre to help in strengthen their financial position by amending Article 275 of the Constitution as well as have provisions for sharing of taxes collected under the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The ADCs took this decision at the third general council meeting of the Forum of Councils under Sixth Schedule (FOCUSS) held at Hotel Pinewood on Friday which was attended by representatives of the Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Dima Hasoa Autonomous Council, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council, Chakma Autonomous District Council, Lai Autonomous District Council, Mara Autonomous District Council and Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.

The meeting was chaired by the KHADC chairman, Pynshngaiñlang N. Syiem and discussed various issues concerning the councils including the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution.

Syiem told reporters after the meeting that FOCUSS has resolved to send a resolution to the parliamentary standing committee on amendment of Sixth Schedule for extending the time to submit the views and suggestions by all stakeholders.

“All Councils have been asked to send their views and suggestions on the proposed amendment within this month, so that the same can be compiled as one representation by FOCUSS and submit the same to the Centre and the parliamentary standing committee,” Syiem said.

The issues related to financial crisis faced by all ADCs was also discussed during the meeting as at present, the ADCs are at the mercy of the respective state governments.

The meeting felt that provisions of different articles of the Constitution should be made applicable besides provisions of the Sixth Schedule so that the ADCs can enjoy maximum financial powers to strengthen the financial position of the ADCs in the region.

“In view of this, we have decided to send a proposal to the Central government on the need to amend Article 275 so that there is a proviso which specifies that certain amount should be earmarked for the ADCs,” Syiem said.

He said that Article 275, provides revenue to the states, but has no proviso to earmark financial assistance to the ADCs.

Syiem said that the ADCs should also get share from the revenue collected under the GST so that it further improves the financial position of the ADCs in the region.

The FOCUSS was also of the view that revenue generated through power sector in respective states in the Northeast should be shared with the ADCs.

It was also decided that the next meeting of FOCUSS would be hosted by the Bodoland Territorial Council in Assam, likely in November.

The meeting also formed a sub-committee to look into the drafting of guidelines of FOCUSS and procedures for electing office bearers of FOCUSS