The central government’s Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed a bigger Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) that would comprise 40 seats but the KHADC’s executive committee is sticking by its proposal for 37.
The council currently has 29 elected members and one who is nominated. The MHA has suggested 40 seats, of which five would be nominated. KHADC Chief Executive Member Pyniaid Sing Syiem, however, said today that the council has proposed 35 elected with two nominated (including one reserved for women).
On the proposed amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, senior KHADC members, including the Chairman Lamphrang Blah and opposition leader Titosstarwell Chyne, represented the council in a meeting today called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah of the 10 ADCs of the North East.
Syiem said that only after the meeting will the EC be clear on how to proceed in the matter.
“Even if they (the Centre) can no longer table the Sixth Schedule amendment in the ongoing Parliament session, there should be some assurances or commitment from the government of India that they will table this in the coming session, which will be good enough for us,” he added.
He further stated that the 10 autonomous councils are united on the amendment and want it tabled in Parliament. The CEMs of the 10 councils met in New Delhi three days ago to discuss the amendment bill.
Syiem also informed that the delegation from Meghalaya proposed to remove the words “village council” in areas under the jurisdiction of the KHADC and JHADC and also to recognise the Hima and Dorbar Shnong.
