SHILLONG: The chief executive member of the KHADC, P.N Syiem, has stressed on the need for restoring the original Sixth Schedule of 1952 to ensure that district councils wield their authority in scheduled areas.
Speaking on ‘Dorbar u Khasi on Sixth Schedule’ at the 65th celebrations of District Council Day at U Soso Tham auditorium on Tuesday, Syiem highlighted the conflict of power between district councils and the state legislatures.
He pointed out that according to Paragraph 12 (a) of the Sixth Schedule, if the state legislature and the district council make laws on the same subject, the law formulated by the former will prevail.
Again, referring to Para 12 (b), he reiterated that power should be restored to the governor according to Para 3 as part of the proposed amendments so that any resolution passed by the council and approved by the State Cabinet, the governor can issue a notification to exempt central acts.
Currently, the power to issue a notification to exempt from the application of central laws to an autonomous district rests with the President and not with the Governor.
The Centre’s decision to amend the Sixth Schedule has been opposed by tribal bodies in the State.
Taking part in the Dorbar, Nongkrem MDC H.S Shylla said bills passed by the district council should be treated on a par with Assembly bills.
Later, speaking to reporters, he said there is a need to amend the Sixth Schedule and the AD Rules to avoid dependence on state government.
He expressed concern that bills passed by the council have to be routed through the District Council Affairs Department before the Governor’s assent.
Enumerating the achievements of district councils, Shylla said the establishment of council courts under the Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chief and Headmen) Act, 1959, and the autonomous bodies’ power to set up primary schools are laudable.
“This will ensure that Khasi language is taught in primary schools,” he added.
During the ‘Dorbar session’, Shylla stated that all Himas should come up with codification of laws.
Stating that the district council cannot be dissolved, he said that there should be room to improve it with an aim to protect the uniqueness attached to the matrilineal society and to preserve the identity of the indigenous tribe.
Council Day celebration
The 65th Council Day was celebrated with pomp and show starting with songs from La Tynrai, which enthralled the audience, followed by Shad Mastieh and drum ensemble by Snap Paka.
