By Aristotle Lyngdoh
We all know the meaning of this statement, “The King is dead! Long live the King”, it’s a world famous slogan and needs no further explanation. One is tempted to ask why is the Government in a hurry to pass an Ordinance to define the function of the Rangbah Shnong? Is the Government under pressure from some quarters or from people directly benefitting from this Ordinance? Can the electorate or voters put so much pressure on their representatives? Is possible to distil out any decision out of confusion and coercion? There is clearly a lack of direction and we are trying to resolve all contentious issues without a road-map. Every sensible citizen and responsible leader should think and pause a while and ask some valid questions on this subject. We can no longer afford to live from one error to another. A meaningful system of grass-root governance can emerge by applying analytical skills and methods and designing a mechanism which ultimately connects to the end results. If we fail to do so then we are unconsciously pushing ourselves into another crisis. In my previous writing ( ST dated 12/5/15), I had drawn the contours on how a healthy society can exist vibrantly by ensuring that the Dorbar Shnong practices accountability, prescribes the term of office, practices transparency and gender equality in the Dorbar Shnong.
During the olden days of the Khasi Dorbar, the Syiem was a prominent figure who presided over the Dorbar and decisions were taken after public consultation. He never took any decision like the CEOs of today. The whole Dorbar is responsible for every action and resolution adopted, because, people have a stake in the Dorbar Shnong and feel a sense of ownership over it. Today this practice has disappeared and some other archaic system is being deployed which distances people from collective decision-making and dispels their confidence. The role of the syiem or chief in Khasi traditional administration is to give hope and build the confidence of his subjects besides protection and patronage. In return the syiem or chief is respected and honoured as the highest custodian of customs and practices but such a role is no longer visible in this competitive self-oriented generation. We should be proud that our longshwa manshwa (progenitors) have pioneered the democratic form of legislature but the question is whether we can revive, modify and improve upon it to meet the needs of every generation. Prior to Christianity, no activities were ever conducted in any Dorbar without divine intervention so that there is no obstruction in the course of implementing or discharging its duties. Divine intervention is sought to identify and locate the erring part. As Christians of the present generation who consistently pray for those at the helm of administrative affairs, we should see the recent High Court judgment as an opportunity where the integrity and dynamics of the Dorbar system constituted by every single citizen is restored and modified in a much better dynamic and vibrant structure meets the challenges of the present time.
So what is the logic behind the Ordinance? Or are we trying to pacify some section of rabble rousers to give them a shot in their arm? But what about the common person who will be subject to and affected by the Ordinance? Don’t they matter? Do only the Rangbah Shnong hold sway over the Government? Will this Ordinance or Village Administration Bill empower the poor villagers who are vulnerable to any form of arbitrary action? And the lesser we dwell on the unaccounted royalty collected by the Dorbar Shnong from different sources especially the one from sale and purchase of land and property, the better. There are instances where 10% of the total value of the property is charged by the Rangbah Shnong while his colleagues in others places collect amounts varying from Rs 2000 – 3000 for 10,000 sq.ft of land from both the buyer and seller.
These are the only few concerns of the general public which necessitate a uniform and conducive system of grass-roots governance that will take care and address these concerns effectively for the benefit of all. “The King is dead!” does not necessarily indicate that a system of royalty is not there in England but those at the helm of affairs are the common people. Likewise, the office of the Rangbah Shnong should be clearly described without undermining the confidence of the people’s Dorbar in the practice and conduct of community affairs which include every bona fide resident of a Shnong. I had earlier mentioned the parameters and contours of meaningful grass-roots governance but they are not easy to articulate or define. It requires larger debate and discourse in order to establish a sound and firm system that is constitutionally valid. Therefore, the expectation of many, particularly the common man from those who hold the steering and navigate the direction, is to at least be sensitive to the real issues and concerns and pave the way for a tangible, effective and inclusive grass-roots governance.