SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Friday approved the extension of the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) by another six months.
Talking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma informed that the Cabinet had approved the extension by six months till February 17, 2015.
The present extended term of the Council expires on August 17.
The State cabinet had, in January, extended the tenure of the GHADC by six months to enable the Union Government to complete the peace process which was an aftermath of the tripartite ceasefire with the A·chik National Volunteer Council (ANVC).
“Owing to the parliamentary elections and the reconstitution of a new government at the Centre, the exercise was further delayed and could not be completed,” he said.
According to Sangma, the NDA Government has indicated to the Meghalaya Government that the agreed text settlement has already been approved by the Union Government and the exercise to complete the peace process will be initiated very soon.
“The government’s stand is that this particular provision to further strengthen the GHADC as per the tripartite text settlement agreement will also be extended to the two other autonomous district councils in the State which include an increase in the strength of the two Houses,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the Union government will obtain the consideration of the Parliament to approve amendment to the Sixth Schedule to initiate the process for increasing the strength of the district councils.
“Pending this all other process which is part of the agreement will be proceeded with and will not wait for the completion of the overall amendment to give effect to the proposed increasing number of seats because the proposed increase number of seats of GHADC will be extendable to other autonomous district councils,” he added.
Meanwhile, explaining the need for extending the term of the GHADC by another six months, District Council Affairs Minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh said that there was not enough time at hand to hold the elections, even as he mentioned that as per the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the Governor may extend the tenure of the District Council for a period not exceeding one year.
“Under the prevailing situation, approval is sought for and has been granted by the Cabinet,” Lyngdoh said.