Editor,
An uproar over tradition has once again overtaken the good citizens of Meghalaya. In the midst of this pandemonium, a patriot with impeccable traditional credentials has raised the ante through his discovery of two aspects in Khasi tradition. First that we are the proud upholders of ‘Partyless’ democracy. “Eureka” we have a Meghalayan Voltaire in the making. Second, that under para 2 of the 6th Schedule, there is scope to dissolve the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs); in their place, bring in a Regional Council (RC); and fill up the RC with party-less Traditional Chiefs. Otherwise all the hard work into the creation of a non traditional Grand Council of Chiefs would have gone to waste. Makes complete sense, doesn’t it?
The call for party-less RCs makes us feel so proud but then no harm in examining how the members of the Grand Council of ‘party-less’ Chiefs are elected. I suddenly find myself and a large number of the so called “ki khun ki hajar” debarred for such elections. Only a few clans (“Kurs”) are entitled electors while the rest of us are supposed to simply sit in the sidelines and clap. A small lapse that some are perhaps willing to overlook in the name of tradition. Right? Most of the chiefs are also elected for life. So with party-less tradition we sacrifice principles of good governance, accountability, transparency and scheduled demitting of office. Hima Mylliem with its questionable management of Iewduh is a shining example of things to come. Thirdly, how will the RC cope with gender representation? These are questions that need to be asked. Like Adelbert Nongrum, CEM, KHADC says, how can we allow one man’s political ambitions to overtake the larger interest of the Jaidbynriew?
A larger question also makes its presence felt. Prominent writers and social thinkers of the Khasi community, such as Fabian Lyngdoh, Patricia Mukhim, Toki Blah etc., have questioned this obsession with an individual, the so called Chief in Khasi society. Why speak about a mere functionary of the Dorbar when culture and tradition of the community revolves and functions round the concept of the Dorbar System? If the Dorbar is party-less the need now is to make it more inclusive and not so male centric. That is the need of the day. Not pushing individuals of a non- democratic, oligarchic entity into higher platforms of governance. That would be a disaster.
Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma has made an urgent call for an all party meeting to discuss proposed amendments to the 6th Schedule as called by the Grand Council of Chiefs vide their letter No GCCM/CM-FKS/2015/005 Dt. 06/01/2015. The letter is a classic ‘Must Read’ for serious students of politics. It speaks of the need for a party-less dispensation and justifies this claim through a wishy-washy understanding of historical facts; subjective interpretation of history and historical conjectures laced with liberal sprinklings of downright wishful thinking. The 6th Schedule is now supposed to be amended on such balderdash. Now do we have the nerve to propose substituting universal adult franchise with the above proposed party-less oligarchy? It’s a ridiculous, laughable matter to be discussed in an all party meet in the Shillong Secretariat. It’s a different matter to submit such rot for serious consideration of the Union Home Ministry. Dr Mukul might not mind being laughed at but the 30 odd lakh citizens of Meghalaya would really be offended if we become the laughing stock of India just to please a Grand Council of despots.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S Sahkhar
Shillong -8
Good governance day on Christmas Day?
Editor,
Apropos the recent notification of Government of India, IT Department, declaring 25th December as Good Governance day, It appears the Modi Government is busy creating confusions in the minds of the citizens of India rather than concentrating in development. Though observing Good Governance Day is a good idea, but out of 365 days why choose Christmas Day? What about having Good Governance Day on dates when Diwali or Lakshmi PUja are celebrated? Will the Sangh Parivar like this idea?
Yours etc.,
Gautam Ghosh
Shillong 4