SHILLONG: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Village Administration) Bill, 2014 which was passed by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in session on July 1, 2014 was returned with a message by the Governor of Meghalaya, Ganga Prasad.
The CEM KHADC PN Syiem read out a message by the Governor, Ganga Prasad during the session on Tuesday.
The Governor in his message to the KHADC wrote, “The said Bill is hereby returned, as after careful consideration it has been found that the pitch and substance of the Bill in its present form is beyond the jurisdiction of the District Council which is apparent as per the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs (North East Division) letter No. 11012/144/2015NE.IV dated January, 2016.”
The Governor added that in view of the legal and constitutional validity of the KHAD (VAB), 2014, the power of the District Council under paragraph 3 (1) (e), (f), (g) and (j) of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution of India is limited.
“Therefore, the District Council may also like to consider this position while drafting legislation on Village Administration and it is also advised that future proposals be confined to the provisions of the Sixth Schedule,” the Governor wrote.
The KHADC CEM PN Syiem said that the VAB will be examined thoroughly.
Speaking on the matter, Leader of the Opposition, Manstudy Nongrem said, “It is fortunate that the Bill has been returned to us, it will give the opportunity to polish it. We need to rethink on this matter.”
He went on to say that the Executive Committee has to re-think on the VAB and proposed a new Bill to come up in place of the VAB which was framed with the intention to empower the traditional heads.
On the other hand, HSPDP MDC Teilinia Thangkhiew said that the letter of the Governor to the KHADC does not contain any date.