Home ministry to re-examine dual-post lawmaker issue

SHILLONG: The Union Law Ministry has returned with comments the query of the Union Home Ministry regarding holding of dual posts of MLAs and MDCs in the State.
An official source on Friday said that the Home ministry will further examine the matter and subsequently will send its reply to the State Government.
However, it is yet to be known the details of the comments made by the Law Ministry.
After the matter surfaced recently, Meghalaya Governor KK Paul had sought the comments of the Union Home ministry on the demand for disqualification of MLAs who are holding the post of MDCs.
The Home Ministry is yet to send its reply to Rajbhavan in this regard.
As many as eight legislators in Khasi and Jaintia Hills and two in Garo Hills are holding the post of MDCs.
They are Stephanson Mukhim,H.D.R. Lyngdoh,Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, Metbah Lyngdoh, Pyngshngainlang Syiem, Phlastingwell Pangniang, Sanbor Shullai and Brolding Nongsiej in Khasi-Jaintia Hills and Brigady Marak and Cherak Momin in Garo Hills.
The Rule 17(1) (a) of the Assam (and Meghalaya) Autonomous District (Constitution of District Councils) Rules 1951 has a provision to disqualify MLAs holding the posts of MDCs.
The rule 17 (1) (a) says, “A person shall be disqualified for being elected as, and for being, a member of the District Council if he is a salaried servant of the Government of India or the Government of any State specified in the first schedule to the Constitution or is an employee of any District Council or any Regional Council”.