SHILLONG: With a sub-committee on empowerment of traditional institutions proposing the Meghalaya Grassroot Institutions Governance Bill 2015, the matter has been referred to all the three district councils who have been asked to come up with suggestions by November 30.
A meeting chaired by D.D. Lapang, Chairman of the Committee to institutionalize the traditional bodies, was held on Friday and attended by all the stakeholders.
The meeting discussed the proposed Bill suggested by the sub-committee headed by Toki Blah.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Lapang said the KHADC, JHADC and GHADC will have to discuss the Bill first following which it will be taken up by the full Committee for consideration.
Lapang also sought extension till January 31 for the Committee to meet and submit the report.
“We have decided to seek extension till January 31 next year from the state government to be able to finalize the process relating to the institutionalization of traditional institutions in the state,” Lapang said.
He said that since the Bill needs further examination, it will be forwarded to the three district ADCs for discussion or amendments.
To a question, Lapang said despite the traditional heads withdrawing from the Committee constituted under him, he was committed to ensure that the panel completes its task.
“Our intention is to legalize and put in proper form the traditions and usages which would stand the test of time in addition to the VAB which the traditional heads are keen to implement,” Lapang said.
Asked about the possibility of too many Bills to empower traditional heads coming into conflict, Lapang said that since the common purpose is the same, it will not create confusion or infringe into the powers of the Councils or traditional institutions.
