Shillong, Aug 20: The Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday met with the CEMs of the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in the State in relation to the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, which will be submitted to the Parliamentary Standing Committee. The ADCs have been asked to submit their suggestions within a week’s time.
The three ADCs in the state are Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
Sangma told reporters that the discussion was on the amendment bill of the Sixth Schedule and the different suggestions that were given by the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
He said based on that the government of India has again asked the state government to give its comments and suggestions on the matter adding in order to give those suggestions and comments, the government had called a meeting with all the three ADCs so that their view point can also be included.
According to KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM), Titosstar Chyne the proposed amendment has been delayed for almost a year after the Standing Committee had recommended to the Parliament. “So now we are just discussing and reviewing the same points which we have given from all the three ADCs,” he said.
He informed that this is the first meeting after the report which was submitted by Standing Committee, and that they are looking into some points. Asked if he was satisfied with the progress, Chyne said “I don’t know what is the delay. Though I know it is not from the state government, it is from the Central Government. The last meeting between the state govt and Ministry was held on July 5, and they were supposed to send their last comments on August 25.”
The CEM stated that owing to the prevailing situation and COVID-19 situation there is a delay but are hoping that by August 31 they will send the recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Meanwhile, the CM informed that suggestions like the details whether it is to do with the issues mentioned for the unrepresentative tribes in the nomination, the number of seats mentioned, the different elections to be held at different levels. “So all these factors and issues were discussed at length,” he said.
Sangma informed that they will be having a final meeting on August 25 evening to finalize on the recommendations from the state government and will be submitted to the Government of India.
The chief minister added that almost 95 percent of the recommendations given including the 10th schedule application or the anti-defection law, including the suggestion to have the finance commission funding were all discussed.
“So all the major decisions have been included and we are happy that they have been included. So there is a concern that are there which we are ironing out and that is the reason why we are doing a consultation again and again and we are hopeful we will be able to come to a consensus and take this amendment forward,” said Sangma.
