Govt to recall VAB from ministry for KHADC review

SHILLONG: The state government has decided to recall the Village Administration Bill (VAB) from the Home Ministry to enable further examination by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
“The government will take it up with Governor Ganga Prasad in view of the clarification sought by the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told reporters on Thursday.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the state government, KHADC and the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri U Hynniewtrep.
Sangma said the district council needs to further review it and come up with a course of action, which may include amendment to the bill.
On meeting the governor, Sangma said there would be immediate action and the government would start processing along with the Legal and the District Council Affairs Departments.
MUDA issue
The state government will invoke the provision of the Meghalaya Town and Country Planning Act, 1973, to appoint local or regional authorities for enforcing the building bye laws in non-civic areas.
Sangma said, “Therefore, we have decided to invoke the provision of the particular mandate of law and to give shape to the further course of action, the district council will have to again notify those urban centres as areas covered by Town Committee.”
He said the local authorities and not MUDA will enforce the building bye laws. “But these authorities which will be appointed by the government shall enforce building bye laws in areas other than municipality areas,” Sangma added.
Meanwhile, KHADC chief executive member PN Syiem informed that the council would prepare the building bye laws which will then be submitted to the government.
“The government will compare KHADC’s building bye-laws to bring necessary amendments then it will notify the amended building bye-laws. The state government Building Bye-laws need to be amended as per the views and opinion of the District Council,” he said.
On the other hand, John Kharshiing expressed his gratitude to Sangma for having resolved the issues on MUDA.
He urged KHADC to expedite the process and asked the government to notify another committee to move the Centre on this matter.