Shillong, Aug 26: Meghalaya Government on Thursday held final consultation with CEMs and Deputy CEMs of the three Autonomous District Councils (ADC) in State to submit its recommendations to the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on the proposed amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Final meeting was held with the CEMs of KHADC, JHADC & GHADC on the Amendment Bill & suggestions of the Parliamentary Standing Committee. We have ironed out our final recommendations in detail for submission to the Committee. pic.twitter.com/moBavEeUbY

— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) August 26, 2021

Speaking on one of the key contentious points, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the Government does not agree to the idea of having the term ‘unrepresented tribe’.

It may be mentioned that several organizations in the State are opposed to the use of the term ‘unrepresented tribe’, as Meghalaya has many minority tribes and it would be difficult to have representation for all minority tribes.

Recommendations of Meghalaya Govt to PSC

– The State Government is recommending removal of the term ‘unrepresented tribe’ from the proposed amendment.

– The Government has decided that the number of elected and nominated members be restricted to a maximum of 40 members, which includes 4 nominated.

– Nomination of members will be allowed with 50 percent reservation for the women.

– Flexibility to decide on the number of elected and nominated seats be vested with the respective district councils in the State.

– Government agrees to hold elections for the Village Councils for Garo Hills and Village Dorbars for Khasi – Jaintia Hills for carrying out inclusive developmental works. It has also recommended that the traditional bodies like the Nokmas, Dorbar Shnongs etc shall continue in its existing format.

– State Government has recommended that the Municipal Council shall continue with the three ADCs, however, the responsibilities and areas of operation and works should be discussed with town committees of the district councils.

Need for amending Sixth Schedule 

The amendment to the Sixth Schedule is being made by the Government of India to enable direct funding from the Finance Commission to the district councils in the State.