Three Autonomous District Councils of Meghalaya urges the National Commission to bar government from meddling

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The three Autonomous District Councils of Meghalaya have urged the National Commission for Scheduled Tribe to direct the State government not to interfere into their affairs.

On Tuesday, representatives of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) submitted a memorandum the Chairman of the Commission, Nandkumar Sai who is on a visit to the city.

After meeting the NCST Chairman, KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Teiñwell Dkhar and Chairman PN Syiem informed media persons that there were many issues in their memorandum, and one among them was the Para 12-A in the Sixth Schedule, which acts like a roadblock for implementing Acts formulated by the autonomous district councils.

Apart from that, members of the autonomous district councils also discussed with the Commission the delay in passing the Bills passed by them. “We want the Governor to directly give his assent to the Bills passed by the district councils,” Dkhar said.

Another key issue discussed with members of the Commission is the implementation procedure of funds from the Finance Commission. As of now, funds from the Finance Commission are routed through the State government before reaching the district councils.

The Commission is visiting the State to learn about the functioning of the district councils.

Sai said that representatives of the three autonomous district councils put forward their grievances before the Commission even as he added that it will take them to the Centre.

Also read: Meghalaya news