SHILLONG: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has called upon Meghalaya’s District Council Affairs Department to address misunderstandings concerning the allocation of funds by the Union Ministry of Finance.
The organisation highlighted the disparity in financial grants for rural governance between Meghalaya and other states like Kerala, emphasizing the need for direct funding to traditional institutions.
HITO pointed out that while Kerala received over ₹266 crores from the Finance Commission for rural local bodies, Meghalaya was allocated only ₹27 crores for its three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)—Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia. The organisation termed this allocation “puzzling” and argued that it misrepresents the actual local governance structures in the state.
In a statement, HITO President Donbok Dkhar asserted that the ADCs no longer represent true rural governance, having evolved into party-dominated entities since their inception in 1952. He underscored the need for recognition of Meghalaya’s indigenous governance systems, including the Dorbar Hima, Dorbar Raid, and Dorbar Shnong, which operate under a three-tiered self-governance model.
Contrasts Between Traditional Systems and ADCs
HITO highlighted several distinctions between the ADCs and the traditional governance structures:
1. Tenure and Accountability: Traditional leaders, such as Syiem and Rangbah Shnong, are accountable to their communities, with mechanisms for recall in cases of misconduct. This contrasts with elected representatives in the ADCs, who lack similar accountability.
2. Inclusivity: Traditional assemblies allow every individual to voice opinions and contribute ideas, fostering transparency. In political assemblies, discussions are often dominated by ruling parties.
3. Integrity: Leaders in traditional systems are typically chosen for their integrity and honesty, unlike the political system, which often favors wealthier candidates.
4. Fund Allocation: Funds in the Dorbar system are managed transparently, prioritizing community welfare, while ADCs face criticism for lack of accountability.
5. Beneficiary Selection: Traditional systems ensure fairness in selecting beneficiaries for government schemes, unlike party-driven preferences in the ADCs.
HITO also alleged financial influences in Meghalaya’s political landscape, claiming that a new party formed in 2018 received backing from funds funneled through central ministries.
The organisation urged the Dorbar Shnong to unite and challenge the misleading representations made by the ADCs to the Union Government. It demanded a direct flow of financial resources to genuine rural bodies—Dorbar Hima, Dorbar Raid, and Dorbar Shnong—bypassing the ADCs to ensure equitable and effective governance.
HITO’s call underscores the need for reform in Meghalaya’s rural governance funding to honor its indigenous traditions and foster transparency.
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