SHILLONG: Stiff opposition from various quarters has forced the State Government to buy more time to study the Centre’s proposal to introduce village development councils (VDCs) in the State and to amend the district council rules.
“The State Government will examine the proposal of the draft bill on the concept of decentralisation of governance by the constitution of VDCs,” Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma told reporters after his meeting with an inter-ministerial team here on Wednesday.
According to the Chief Minister, the inter-ministerial team is prevailing upon the State Government on the decentralisation of governance to the village level as an option to the Panchayati Raj system which is prevalent in other parts of the country.
“Before taking a final call on this, the Government would further need to examine the nitty gritty of the draft bill. The Government will have to come up with something which would be adaptable and implementable in accordance with the existing system,” he said.
“This Centrally-sponsored scheme is being implemented with the active participation of the people,” he said pointing out to constitution of village employment councils (VEC) to look after the implementation of MNREGA works.
Deputy Chief Minister also in-charge of Law, Bindo M Lanong, said, “Decentralisation of governance is a good concept, but we need to ensure that the existing culture and customs of the people are not disturbed.”
UMPR additional secretary Hrushikesh Panda said the concept of decentralisation of governance would not have any affect on the existing traditional systems in the State.
“It is for the State Government to decide on the structure it would like to put in place,” Panda said.
He also said the governance at the village level would mean the style of implementation would be totally different since the local people would be more involved.
Meanwhile, a 19-member delegation comprising Syiems, Dolois, Sirdars, Lyngdohs, Wahadadars, Nokmas, Myntris, Rangbah Shnongs, led by John F Kharshiing, secretary, Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya, met the Inter-Ministerial Team officials on Wednesday.
The chiefs and members of three autonomous district councils had decided to oppose the Panchayati Raj Ministry’s proposal to introduce VDCs in the State.