SHILLONG: The NPP has decided to revive the Village Administration Bill (VAB) once the party is elected to power in both KHADC and JHADC.
The VAB is aimed at empowering traditional institutions and headmen.
The bill seeks to provide more powers to the headmen.
In March last year, the governor had returned the bill passed by KHADC seeking clarification.
The action of the governor was after the Home Ministry sent back the bill.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said the VAB will be revived by the party and there are11 to 12 issues which need to be clarified. “We will clarify the queries and pass the bill,” Tynsong said.
Another area which will be focused by the party is the Land Bill.
“If we are elected, we will come up with the land bill and this will enable the district council to regulate land,” he said.
According to Tynsong, the land bill will empower the district councils to protect the natural resources in the context of issues involving coal. “The land bill will bring out clarity as to who owns the minerals so that there will not be any intervention from the Centre,” he said.
Tynsong said the party will also strengthen the traditional institutions by codifying customary laws.
“The councils can come up with acts to preserve customary practices,” he added.
