Members of District Council (MDC) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Tuesday have unanimously decided to oppose the proposal of the Parliamentary Standing Committee to give representation to “unrepresented tribes” through nomination.
“From our side we have proposed two nominated members. One should be a woman without pointing out from which tribe and without sticking to the proposal of the Parliamentary Standing Committee to give representation to unrepresented tribes,” KHADC, Chief Executive Member (CEM) Titosstarwell Chyne said.
“When you say unrepresented tribes, there are many (in the State). We cannot say that all such tribes will get accommodation as nominated members. Since when the time comes all will want representation. So whom do we nominate,” he said.
The CEM said that this will put the district council in a tight spot whom to recommend.
But if they say “indigenous tribes”, these groups already have the right to vote in the MDC elections.
He also expressed surprise why such recommendation was made only for the Khasi and Garo council leaving the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council.
“We therefore decided that there should not be any unrepresented tribes,” Chyne added.
On the issue of increasing the number of seats from 30 to 40 as proposed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee, the KHADC was of the opinion that they did not agree with the proposal.
“This will adversely affect the autonomous district council financially. The revenue of the council is very less which may have an effect on the salaries of the employees and the MDC,” he said.
He said that the meeting of all MDCs decided to propose increasing the seats to 35 through elections, since there are few large constituencies which need delimitation like – Mawlai, Nongstoin, Mawshynrut, Mawryngkneng and Jirang.
On Village Councils – Chyne said that the proposed amendment want to include elements of Panchayati Raj in the Sixth Schedule Areas.
“But the objective of the Sixth Schedule to preserve our Customary Laws and give recognition to the traditional heads. Therefore, as a house we have decided not to accept the proposal,” the CEM said.
“But they should in fact recognise the Dorbar Shnongs as Village Councils,” even as the CEM added the Centre should not equate the traditional institutions of the State with the Village Councils in other parts of the country.
