Kamalanagar, 22 July 2025: Dr. R. Murugesan, Director of the National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC), Guwahati, visited Kamalanagar, the headquarters of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), on 20th July 2025. During his visit, he held a consultative meeting with officials of the CADC, which was also attended by senior leaders, including MLA Shri Rasik Mohan Chakma.

The meeting included a detailed interaction during which the CADC presented an overview of its administrative structure, achievements, and challenges through a PowerPoint presentation. Particular emphasis was laid on the Council’s limited financial autonomy and its dependence on the State Government for essential services such as electricity, primary healthcare, and other civic necessities.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Rasik Mohan Chakma highlighted the chronic issues faced by the CADC owing to the lack of devolution of critical subjects to the Council. He reiterated that CADC remains heavily reliant on Central Government schemes and lacks the authority to directly submit project proposals under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). He stated that NIRD&PR, being the nodal institute for decentralized governance, can play a crucial role in advocating for policy changes. Accordingly, he urged the Director to extend institutional support and facilitate appropriate policy interventions, including the special mention of ADCs in CSS guidelines.

Dr. Murugesan responded positively, assuring that he would extend all possible support to the CADC, including recommending feasible interventions and providing capacity-building support. The CADC expressed its sincere appreciation for his visit and looked forward to continued institutional engagement from NIRD&PR.

No.24/2025-2026