Imphal, September 10, 2010: Government is working out to pay compensations for properties lost during the elections to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in the hill districts, said Chief Minister, O Ibobi today speaking at the one-day conference of ADC councillors at Khuman Lampak.

Addressing the councillors, at the inaugural function, the Chief Minister said that government will shortly complete identification of powers to be transferred to the ADCs.

A special cabinet meeting will be convened to discuss the matter and to finalize it, he added.

At present, Hill Areas Committee is looking into the devolution of power to the ADC and they will be submitting a report at the earliest.

Ibobi also informed the councillors that government is trying to obtain funds from the Union ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) under a special package to enhance development of the hill areas.

The attention of the government has been drawn to the appointment of chowkidars of primary schools under the ADCs.

Government will also deliver power for appointment of staff for the chairmen and vice-chairmen during their terms.

A modality on the norms of utilization of government allotted vehicles by executive members of the councils when needed, is also being mooted.

The Chief Minister also expressed the need to create an awareness to the hill people by the councilors of ADCs about the power and function of the ADCS.

With the revival of the ADCs, the shortcomings of the people can be addressed to the government through the councillors.

Tribal Development minister, DD Thaisii, who presided over the inaugural function expressed hope that the Hill Areas Committee will try its best to submit the report of the committee looking into the devolution of power to the government at the earliest possible time.

Once the devolution of power to the ADCs is complete, it will be easy on the part of the government as well as ADCs to avail funds from the Central government under various developmental programmes, he added.

Funds from the 13th Finance Commission to the ADCs for various developmental schemes and projects have started to flow in, he added.

MPCC president, MLA Gaikhangam and Information minister, TN Haokip spoke at the conference as resource persons.

Councilors of all six ADCs attended the programme.

Earlier, the Chief Minister handed over keys of allotted vehicles to the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the ADCs.

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