By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The FKJGP has opposed the State government’s proposed move to table the Meghalaya Community Participation Bill (MCPB) in the Assembly while offering its support to the pressure groups in Garo Hills who are opposing holding of civic polls in four places there.
Talking to media persons after its CEC meeting here on Tuesday, the FKJGP president Emlang Lyttan said, “We are against the Bill as this will lead to dilution of the powers of traditional bodies”.
According to Lyttan, the State Government should take the views of the people before taking any decision on this Bill.
The State Government came up with the idea of introducing the Meghalaya Community Participation Bill to avail the benefit of the ambitious Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
The Federation admitted that the powers of the traditional heads like the Rangbah Shnongs (headmen) were not defined by the KHADC and that random issuing of certificates by them has led to influx and losing of many tribal lands
“We have corrupt Rangbah Shnongs who misuse their powers by issuing NoCs randomly but we also need to have a law that would clearly define powers of the Rangbah Shnongs.” Lyttan added.
The FKJGP, while reacting to the State Government’s decision to hike the vehicles tax, supported the government’s move.
