Meghalaya Indigenous Tribal Constitutional Rights Movement Seeks Update on Sixth Schedule Amendment

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: A conglomeration of traditional heads, social organization and students union of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo people under the umbrella of the Meghalaya Indigenous Tribal Constitutional Rights Movement (MITCRM) on Monday sought an update from the state government on the proposed amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

It may be reminded that earlier last month the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had held a discussion with the Meghalaya government, autonomous district councils and stakeholders on the proposed amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) chairman Samuel Jyrwa said, “It’s a positive meeting as the Chief Minister has informed us that almost all of our suggestions for amendment of the Sixth Schedule the Union Minister have been approved and now the proposed amendment will be sent to the Union cabinet.”

He said the conglomeration will continue to follow the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule of the constitution. Meanwhile, Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SNSBH) general secretary RL Blah, said, “Amendments are required to the Sixth Schedule, including Article 280 of the Constitution and different paragraphs of it by inserting the word ‘district council’ in Article 280 so that direct funding by the Centre can be given to the district councils.”

He said as of right now only the panchayati raj and the municipal council which is in Article 280 are gaining the benefit of direct funding from the Centre.