By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The controversy over the KHADC Delimitation Bill took a new turn on Sunday with District Council Affairs Minister HDR Lyngdoh breaking his silence over the statement of the KHADC CEM claiming that the latter had agreed upon the need to take the Governor’s prior approval before tabling any bill.
KHADC CEM Pynshngaiñ N Syiem had accused HDR Lyngdoh of not objecting to the Delimitation Bill when it was being passed only to declare it null and void later on the ground that the mandatory Governor’s prior approval was not sought before tabling the Bill.
Reacting to the statement, HDR said that none of the Chief Executive Members (CEMs) of the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) had raised any objection when they were asked to seek prior approval of the Governor before tabling any bill.
On the contrary, HDR claimed, the three CEMs including KHADC chief Pynshngaiñ N Syiem had accepted the suggestion of the government on seeking the Governor’s nod before tabling any bill.
“It is surprising that now I am being criticized for misleading the Council,” HDR said adding that his officers from the Law Department had specifically mentioned the various provisions of the Sixth Schedule which state that the ADCs need to seek prior approval of the Governor before tabling any bill.
“I would soon convene a meeting with the three ADCs to clarify all the doubts prevailing over this issue,” the DCA Minister said.
Earlier, the KHADC had stated they would challenge the State Government directive asking the three ADCs to seek prior approval of the Governor before tabling any bill.
The Council has also maintained that the Delimitation Bill which was passed by it was in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and there was no question of launching a fresh exercise on the matter.
