Shillong, Feb 3: The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Khasi Hills Autonomous District
Council (KHADC) Titoswell Chyne has stated that the budget session of the KHADC will begin from February 26 and the Executive Committee (EC) will be tabling certain amendment bills aimed at strengthening and improving the functioning of the autonomous body.
Speaking to reporters after holding its EC meeting on Wednesday, the CEM said that
amendment of The Khasi Hills District (Establishment, Management and Control of Markets) will be tabled in the budget session.
“There have been certain changes in the Bill and new clauses were also inserted. The Bill has been framed to improve the condition of farmers”, said Chyne. He added, “There are many markets not recognised by the district council and with the implementation of the Act, it will be made mandatory for all markets to be recognised by the district council”.
The CEM further informed that a bill has been amended not to allow illegal activities of
gambling, setting up bars, wine stores under its jurisdiction.
He also revealed that the District Council Affairs (DCA) department had sent back the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Solid Waste Management Bill) to the KHADC with some modifications. “The Executive Member in charge will look into it and will send it back to the DCA”, he said.
On strengthening the council judiciary, Chyne said his EC has decided to sanction
post for one additional judge and two first-class Magistrates so as to begin functioning of the district council courts in Nongstoin, Mawkyrwat and Nongpoh.
On Heritage matters, the CEM informed that a special committee of the district council
and the members of the Hima Mawphlang has decided to outsource the Heritage Village in Mawphlang.
“We will call private parties that have the interest to promote tourism or to look after the place and to develop the place. We have received one representation today from an organization,” he informed.
He said that the share of the KHADC from the Heritage Village revenue will be 60 percent while the Hima Mawphlang will be 40 percent and went on to mention that the KHADC has made huge investments in the heritage village.