Empowering traditional heads
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is allegedly silent on empowering the traditional heads in Khasi-Jaintia Hills region, due to political reasons, but he has asked the Nokmas in Garo Hills to design appropriate laws, which will be in the best interest of the people and manage the natural resources, which belongs to the people, particularly to the custodian of the A’king or the Nokma.
This, however, contradicts the recent ruling of the High Court of Meghalaya which directed the State government to frame rules for traditional institutions.
Sangma, while addressing 400 odd Nokmas from several parts of Garo Hills assembled at Ampati in South West Garo Hills for the 14th annual Nokma Council Conference on Friday, said the Nokmas of Garo Hills should reinforce their traditional administration system for the progress and growth of the society.
“To ensure that the democratic setup functions effectively, all organs of the society has to be empowered and Nokmas will play a very important role for the empowerment of Garo society,” the chief minister said.
According to the chief minister, the traditional administrative practice has withstood the test of time. “Over the years, it has been diluted. We have to respect our traditional institution and make the system vibrant and acceptable for the people,” he said.
Assuring his government’s commitment to empower the traditional bodies of the State, Sangma said, “The traditional administrative system has to be an integral part of the day to day governance. The Nokmas should play a pivotal role in matters which concerns the society.”
He remarked that the Nokmas are not exercising their powers in dealing with administrative justice, as people are approaching the police and other law enforcing agencies for petty issues and problems, which could have been otherwise dealt at the village court or in a Nokma’s court.
“The Nokmas have to take the responsibility to revive their unique system, which is accepted and enshrined in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution,” said the chief minister.
Urging the Nokmas to take ownership of their A’king (clan land), Sangma sought for their partnership in furthering the growth and objectives of various welfare programmes, which are aimed to boost the economy of the State.
Making the Nokmas realize the importance of the traditional land system and rich natural resources, he also asked them to avail benefits of schemes like – mission organic and mission green, which revolves around protection, conservation and reclamation of the green cover.
He also spoke at length on the slew of initiatives taken up the government for the economic prosperity of the region.
The Nokmas Council meet is aimed to foster ties and understanding among the Nokmas of Garo Hills. There are about 1600 Nokmas in Garo Hills, of which about 1300 are part of the grand council, working to empower the Nokmas in partnership with government and other funding agencies.