Cong MLA wants debate on changes to Sixth Schedule

SHILLONG: Congress MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh has called for a debate on the proposed amendment to the Sixth Schedule because she feels that the proposed changes will defeat the purpose of an autonomous body.
Talking to media persons here on Saturday, Lyngdoh said she had a glimpse of the proposed amendment in Parliament and “there is a reference to the panchayati raj to be replicated in district councils”.
“It is going to be a bit of a problem as a panchayati raj-like structure would entail elections of members which would defeat the purpose of the indigenous district councils in the state which are traditional institutions and indigenous in nature,” she said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had held a discussion with the Meghalaya government, the autonomous district councils and other stakeholders earlier this year.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had recently assured that 99 percent of the suggestions put in by the NGOs on the amendment to the Sixth Schedule have been accepted and incorporated.