Rs 2.15 cr estimate for council by-election

SHILLONG: The State government has proposed a total estimate of Rs 2.15 crore for holding the byeelections to the six vacant seats of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and one in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). District Council Affairs Minister Prestone Tynsong, however, informed that decision was yet to be taken on whether the money required for the byelection would be borne by the KHADC or the State government. The bye-election was necessitated after seven MLAs resigned from the post of MDCs of the KHADC and JHADC following the passing of the Prevention of Disqualification (Members of Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya) (Amendment) Act, 2015, which seeks to end holding of dual posts by the MLAs, last year. The six vacant constituencies under KHADC include  Nongkrem, Laban-Mawprem, Nongspung-Sohiong, Mairang-Nongkhlaw, Pariong-Mawthadraishan and Rambrai-Jyrngam Constituencies. The single vacant seat in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) is War-East constituency. As per the calendar fixed by the State government, the publication of draft electoral rolls has been fixed for October 10 and the election will be held on December 13. Counting is scheduled for December 16