SHILLONG, JULY 7: Even as it decided to oppose the proposed introduction of ‘village council’ in the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Indian constitution, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has however welcome direct funding under Article 280.
An all-party meeting of the 30 MDCs from the ruling People Democratic Forum (PDF) and opposition regional alliance- All Regional Parties Alliance (ARPA)- held on Tuesday to discussed the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
“We have unanimously decided to reject the view of the centre with regards to the introduction of the village council,” KHADC chief executive member (CEM) PN Syiem told newsmen after the meeting.
He said KHADC will urge the centre to consider the word village dorbar, which is as per our traditional set up.” According to him, the district council is not in favour of the concept of municipality or village council as they are not according to the traditional and customary practice of the indigenous community.
Stating that there are also many views in the proposed amendment which the district council seeks to propose changes, Syiem said, “We have also decided to propose that the planning committee should be constituted by the district council, which will also take the responsibility to nominate the members in the committee.”
According to him, the meeting also felt that while reviewing the financial position of the village dorbars, the state finance commission should take the views from the district council. “It will be the duty of the district council to collect the views of the dorbar shnongs on the matter,” Syiem said.
On the issue related to election at the traditional institution, Syiem informed that it was decided that the election of the Hima Dorbar should be conducted by the district council and the election of the dorbar shnong should be conducted by the Hima along with the district council.
KHADC also welcomed the proposal to include the district council under Article 280 for funding from the centre. “We welcome and accept the view to provide funding to the district council through Article 280,” Syiem said.
Syiem informed that KHADC would soon submit its views and suggestions to the state government and also to the Ministry of Home Affairs. “We will send our proposals to both state government and MHA for incorporation of our views and suggestions in the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule,” he said.
Meanwhile, a joint meeting of the all the CEMs of the north eastern states will be held tomorrow in the state’s capital. The proposed meeting is expected to be attended by Autonomous District Councils of Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Bodo Territorial, Garo, Jaintia and Khasi. “We will be discussing common issues that are likely to affect us as ADCs of the NE states,” Syiem said.- By Our Reporter
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