SHILLONG: Even though the Village Administration Bills are still being examined by the Governor and the Union Home Ministry, the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri u Hynniewtrep (SNSBH), the umbrella body of headmen, has urged the various traditional heads who have received the ‘sanad’ (appointment letters) to carry out their duties as before.
The statement of the SNSBH comes close on the heels of the notification issued on November 27 by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) which stated that the headmen/Sordar will resume their duty as before as per the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen) Act, 1959 and as per rules framed under the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen), Rules, 2015.
However, a legal expert of the state government pointed out that the issuing of various certificates will have to be examined by the Government since the matter is still pending as the VABs are still being examined by the Governor and the Union Home Ministry.
The SNSBH, meanwhile, also referred to the meeting with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and the Chief Secretary held on November 5 which “compelled them to take up the matter with KHADC Chief since the state government had expressed reservations over headmen issuing certificates”.
During the meeting with SNSBH Chief Secretary P.B.O. Warjri had clarified that the KHADC rules under Section 21 of the United Khasi Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen) act 1959, are intended only for the appointment and succession of Chiefs and Headmen and such an Act does not include the issue of certificates.
The Chief Minister had also indicated during the meeting that it was difficult for the government to issue a notification to enable the headmen to issue residential certificates pointing out that the Himas have no specific laws pertaining to headmen except Hima Nongstoin and Hima Mylliem.
