Shillong, June 18: A rare display of bipartisan cooperation marked the Summer Session of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Thursday as Nongshken MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri expressed her willingness to assist in efforts to address the Council’s financial challenges and facilitate the release of pending development funds.
The offer came during a discussion on delayed development schemes and pending grants, where Kharpuri highlighted the growing concern among the public over stalled projects and urged the Executive Committee (EC) to expedite the implementation of promised schemes.
Responding to her intervention, Executive Member in charge of Development, Powell Sohkhlet, welcomed the gesture and described it as a constructive approach aimed at advancing the interests of the people.
Sohkhlet said Kharpuri’s concern for public welfare and her readiness to contribute towards finding solutions reflected responsible leadership. He added that such cooperation would encourage the Executive Committee to intensify its efforts in pursuing the release of pending development funds and ensuring the implementation of various schemes.
The Executive Member informed the House that a number of development projects have faced delays due to procedural requirements linked to the 15th Finance Commission. He explained that project details, supporting documents and other relevant information are required to be uploaded on various Central Government online portals before funds can be released.
He further stated that these procedural formalities have contributed to delays in the disbursement of funds, affecting the timely execution of several projects across the Khasi Hills region.
Sohkhlet thanked Kharpuri for consistently raising issues concerning public welfare and for reminding the Executive Committee of the urgency of ensuring that development initiatives reach the grassroots without unnecessary delays.
Earlier, Kharpuri had stressed that people in various constituencies are eagerly awaiting the implementation of schemes and projects announced by the Council. She urged the Executive Committee to take all necessary measures to expedite pending works so that the benefits of development can reach the people at the earliest.
The exchange reflected a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among members of the House, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in addressing financial constraints and advancing development across the Khasi Hills.
