SHILLONG, JAN 3: The district councils of the Khasi and Jaintia hills districts have been demanded to bring legislation to empower as well as define the powers and functions of the traditional heads even as the KHADC has been asked to withdraw the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Village Administration) Bill, 2014 for ‘redrafting’ it properly.
The demands have been made after a decision to this effect was taken on Saturday during a consultative meeting between the traditional heads with opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) .
The meeting also constituted a five member committee to pursue the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Village Administration) Bill, 2014 and the redrafting of the bills properly.
UDP working president Bindo M Lanong told reporters after the meeting that the decisions were taken because of the order by the High Court that questioned – where from these headmen derives their powers to issue NOC and interfere with the administration adding the court has also clearly stated that – “no rule of law has empower them (headmen).”
Over 160 headmen and functionaries of different villages from Khasi and Jaintia Hills region attended the meeting.
“We have unanimously resolved to request the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to withdraw the Village Administration Bill, 2014 for redrafting it, since there are many lacunae in it,” Lanong informed.
In June last year, the KHADC had passed and submitted the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Village Administration) Bill, 2014 to the State government’s District Council Affairs (DCA) department for approval and getting the assent of the Governor.
Lanong said after the redrafting of the bill, the KHADC will be given one month time to resubmit it to the state government for getting the necessary approval.
According to Lanong the meeting felt that clause 6 of the bill, which speaks about the ceremony of ‘tehrangbah’ – where the sons of a village who attained the age of 18 years, has to be recognized by the dorbar shnong, is something which is uncommon and not required.
Lanong also said there are also clauses in the bill which talks about the need of having a Village Development Council (VDC) which will function under the dorbar shnong for the purpose of implementation all the development schemes and programmes of the government.
“We felt that having a VDC within the dorbar shnong will only bring unnecessary conflict and confusion,” Lanong said.
The KHADC and JHADC were also requested to come up with a legislation to empower as well as clearly define the powers and functions of the traditional heads, Lanong informed.
Lanong felt such legislation became necessary in view of the High Court order questioning from where these headmen derives their powers to issue NOC and interfere with the administration adding the court has also clearly stated that – “no rule of law has empower them (headmen).”
Lanong said the meeting also constituted a five member committee to be headed by the UDP working president Bindo M Lanong as its Convener, which will be pursuing the matter.
Other members of the committee includes – SD Khongwir – Chairman of Mawlai Town Dorbar, Robert Dkhar – headman of Lumdiengjri, Emlang Lytan – Secretary of Nongthymmai Dorbar Pyllun, Ban Pyngrope – headman of Nongrah and Baston S Lyngdoh – headman of Riatsamthiah.
“This committee will give its views and suggestions to the KHADC on redrafting the bill and other aspect related to the issue,” Lanong said while informing very soon the committee will meet the KHADC chief.
Lanong also informed that the meeting has decided not to comment on the order passed by the High Court understanding the fact the absent of proper laws to define the powers of the headmen.
KHADC is gearing up to appeal to the division bench of the Guahati High Court against the high court order.
According to Lanong, it will be useless to contest the order of the court when there are no laws in place. He said, “That is why our focus is on how to bring laws… Once the laws are in place, automatically the ruling of the high court will be defeated.”
In view of the court order Lanong said speaking from the‘practicality’ point of view on the role of the headmen, the state government will be in a fix if it fails to get their cooperation and support while implementing the different schemes of state and centre governments.
Lanong was also of the view that the state is also going to face difficulties in term of maintaining the law and order without the support of the headmen.
Quoting the order which directed the government and district administration not to take any seek any assistance from the headmen, Lanong said, “This will no doubt affect the government and district administration in many ways.”
Lanong said practically speaking, the UDP feel that the traditional heads have made a lot of contribution in ensuring peace and tranquility within the state and if their powers are taken away the impact can only be negative.- By Our Reporter
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