Williamnagar, Oct 3: The Nokma Council of Chokpot Unit has expressed strong opposition to the implementation of the Panchayati Advancement Index (PAI) in Sixth Schedule areas of Meghalaya. The council held a key meeting at Nokma Bandasal, Chokpot, to deliberate on the matter, attended by Nokmas from various villages.

During the meeting, Jeshwell Ch. Marak the Nokma of Bibragre, outlined the objectives of the PAI, which is intended to monitor and evaluate development works under Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at village, block and district levels.

However, the council unanimously rejected the scheme, citing that the Panchayati Raj system has no constitutional or legal authority in Sixth Schedule areas governed by Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) like the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).

The council stressed that village administration, development and records are submitted exclusively to the ADCs, and that Panchayati Raj institutions have never functioned in their areas. They warned that imposing PRIs would infringe upon customary governance and constitutional safeguards.

With unanimous consent, the council resolved to formally reject the PAI and any attempt to extend the Panchayati Raj system into tribal lands.

A memorandum expressing these objections will be submitted to the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs and also to the Meghalaya government.

Also read: All Garo Hills Multipurpose Cooperative Society marks 4th Foundation Day in Babadam

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