Political parties skip all party meet on new headmen bill

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Sept 9: The meeting convened by Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma to discuss the new draft bill on traditiol village administration failed to evoke much enthusiasm among political parties.

Among the political parties who stayed away from Wednesday’s meeting were the UDP, KHM, NPP and BJP.

UDP, KHM and BJP had already announced their decision to boycott the meeting to protest against the government’s move to come up with new draft bill to empower the traditiol bodies and headmen as they argued these are the subject of the district councils.

Thos present in the meeting were the Congress, the NCP which is an ally and the HSPDP.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Dr Sangma said that the meeting with the political parties was to discuss on whether there is any need for any legislative measures to empower the traditiol bodies and their involvement in the governce.

According to the Chief Minister the government would like to ensure complete involvement of all concern- political parties and stake holders in this process.

Dr Sangma said that today’s discussion and minutes of the meeting will be circulated to all political parties.

“As you have seen a number of major political parties are absent and to ensure broader consultation, we will share the minutes of the meeting and the views expressed by representatives,” the Chief Minister said.

Dr Sangma also said that step by step the government will ensure that all stakeholders will be involved in the process.

Meanwhile, the NCP which was represented by legislator Sanbor Shullai in the meeting urged the state government to take into confidence the stakeholders, MDCs and traditiol heads before formulating the bill.

Shullai said that as a party the NCP cannot as of now decide to oppose or favour the bill.

“We impressed upon the government for the need of further consultations with all the stakeholders before deciding to go ahead with the proposed bill to empower the traditiol bodies,” Shullai said.

It may be mentioned that recently, during the “Dorbar Bah” Shullai was party to the resolution to oppose the new bill being drafted by the state government to empower the traditiol bodies.

Further, HSPDP legislator Witting Mawsor said that the party welcomes any initiative aimed at empowering the traditiol heads.

Mawsor said that his party’s only concern is the impasse which cropped up in view of the High Court.

“We will accept any such legislation which can address this issue,” Mawsor told reporters.