SHILLONG: The key demand of ANVC to increase the seats from the present 30 to 40 in the GHADC will take more time for its fulfillment even after signing of the final peace pact with the Centre in New Delhi on September 24.
An official source said that the Parliament will have to amend the Constitution to increase the strength of the GHADC.
“The increase in seats will be possible only after an amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution,” the official added.
Under the proposed 40 seats, the ANVC had suggested direct election to 35 seats and nomination to the remaining five seats. The break- up of the nomination is two from ANVC, two Nokmas and a woman member.
At present, there is direct election in 29 seats in GHADC and the remaining one is a nominated member.
Till the increase in the number of seats, the ANVC can contest in 29 seats as per the agreement approved by the Government, which was one of the demands of the ANVC.
As per the agreement, for planning and review, ANVC can be part of GHADC for the first one year after the signing of the agreement. After this period, fresh elections will be held.
The State Government had effected two extensions of six months each to the GHADC, one in January this year and another in August, expecting a final settlement with ANVC.
With the signing of the peace pact on September 24, the ANVC will now get six months’ time to prepare for the electoral contest in the GHADC.
