SHILLONG: Even though the Centre is yet to take a decision on framing an anti-defection law to be made applicable to the Councils to prevent MDCs from switching over their allegiance, John F Kharshiing, Chairman, Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya, and Spokesperson, Federation of Khasi States said that considering the chronic defections in the three Autonomous District Councils of Meghalaya from 1952-2015, the anti -defection law is the need of the hour.
“After years of fighting for the cause of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo traditional chiefs, we realize that one of the causes of delay in codification of 54 Hima/Elaka in Khasi Hills, 19 Elakas in Jaintia Hills and 1400 Aking Nokmas in the ADCs is the chronic defections and instability in the three ADCs of Meghalaya,” Kharshiing said.
The Chiefs had lobbied and worked hard to push for anti-defection legislation hoping that there will be stability in the Councils and the outcome was the official passing of the resolution for an anti-defection law by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on March 16, 2011, Kharshiing said.
“It appears that the official resolution passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly is lying in cold storage since the Union Home Ministry has already proposed amendment to the Sixth Schedule,” Kharshiing added.
He added that the Centre should pay attention to this crucial legislation to improve governance at the grassroots level.
