Editor,
For the past weeks there has been a growing debate and discussion on the demand by the VPP for Article 371 in the state of Meghalaya. It is equally notable that previously such a demand had emanated from pressure groups and individuals who have now joined other regional parties. When the Sixth Schedule was passed by the Constituent Assembly in the year 1949 it was drawn up to be the sole “guiding light” to states where a sizable tribal population like in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura are present. That this important tool of the Constitution is able to direct and empower the local tribal population to have an elected body to administer themselves with a degree of autonomy be it in administration, judicial and legislative domain is the essence of grassroots government. We must remember that it is through the powers of the Constitution of India that the Sixth Schedule also gave “birth” to establish ADCs and ARCs or Autonomous Regional Councils, thus we can see that in the past many years the Autonomous District Councils have been able to bring in laws that suit and address the needs of the community. To bring in Article 371 with a separate Clause that indicates Meghalaya under its ambit would subject the state towards receding that autonomy granted to the ADCs under the Sixth Schedule. This particular subject allows us to continue in executing and enacting laws because of this autonomy. For example certain matters of national interests can overwhelm the powers and status of the Sixth Schedule if we are to demand Article 371 and it is for this reason the autonomy of tribal institutions would get diluted with little say in governance. It is therefore important that before demanding Article 371 parties should do a study and deliberate the pros and cons viz a viz with the Sixth Schedule. Period.
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar
Via e-mail
