SHILLONG: Taking note of the alleged interference of the State Government in the functioning of the Council, the need to set a clear cut demarcation of subjects between the State and the Autonomous District Council was raised at the KHADC’s Summer Session here on Tuesday.
Moving a motion on the issue UDP MDC T. Dkhar pointed out that most bills are still pending with the State Government.
“The land bill of the KHADC has not received assent of the Governor and the Village Administration Bill is still pending. Even rules outlined by the Council like the primary education rules have been sidelined by the State Government,” Dkhar observed.
In his reply, the KHADC CEM said that Para 12 (A) has weakened many aspects of governance leading to conflicts and there is a need to demarcate the subjects and to give autonomous authority to the Council.
“Some Acts of Parliament have come in conflict with certain culture and traditions of the people,” the CEM, PN Syiem, added.
KHNAM MDC, Adelbert Nongrum also expressed concern over the implications of the North Eastern Re-Organization Act, 1971, a Central Act, especially with regards to areas in Shillong which are within the jurisdiction of the Council. “There have been encroachment issues and the State does not have a proper boundary till date. While there are certain pockets in the state termed as European ward, the basis of the demarcation is unknown,” he said.
“It is high time for the KHADC to re-organize its boundaries,” Nongrum added.
In his reply Syiem said that till date there was no clear understanding of the boundaries of the KHADC except that the Shillong administered area falls under the jurisdiction of the Council.
