Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma today said that State government and three autonomous district councils (ADCs) has decided to recommend to the Centre that the words “unrepresented tribes” should be removed from the proposed amendment suggested by the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
Sangma also informed that the meeting of the government with the three ADCs also decided to unanimously recommend that these houses shall have not more than 40 members each out of which there shall not be more than four nominated members.
The Chief Minister said that this is similar to the original Sixth Schedule passed in 1952.
On the issue of Village Councils, Sangma said that one should realise that the amendment to the Sixth Schedule is being done from all aspects whether it is the anti-defection law, Article 280 for the Finance Commission and direct finding to the district council is being done in a holistic manner.
“We are also to remember that in the government of India’s scope of things they have no intention to affect the customs and practices of the people,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister said that the overall plan for amendment of the Sixth Schedule is to ensure that there is a balance between development and aspect of traditional customs and practices of the people.
Sangma said that the government of India will amend the Constitution and will give powers for financial support to the district councils but it will require that certain democratic process should also be followed.
The Chief Minister also informed that in Garo Hills region, where the Nokmas who handle and take care of land issues, traditional laws and customs of the people will continue as they are.
“But at the same time from the development point of view in order to ensure that the Finance Commission’s funds comes in and schemes are implemented Village Council elections must be held,” he said.
Sangma, said that in Khasi and Jaintia Hills region, a recommendation was given that the Village Dorbars shall continue and there should not be Village Councils.
“For Village Dorbars elections will be held and the different procedures in which the elections should be held will be defined as per Para 2 A of the amended act,” the Chief Minister added.
He said that the district councils will have sufficient powers to work out the procedures in which those elections will be held.
Sangma also informed that the government and the ADCs decided that the Municipal Councils as a subject will continue in the jurisdiction of the State and it will be recommended that it should not be mentioned in the amended act.
“But as per discussion with respective district councils subjects and certain areas of governance even within the Municipal Board can be worked out between the councils,” the Chief Minister added.
