SHILLONG: With central laws often in conflict with District Council laws, the Advisory Committee on Legislation and Legal Issues has been constituted by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
When contacted, Chairman of KHADC, PN Syiem who will head the committee, expressed concern that many central laws are against the interest of the district council.
“We want to understand the terms of the Instrument of Accession (IOA) and Annexed Agreement as to how they can protect us especially against the central laws. The central government from time to time make laws which are very much against our interest. The committee will study in depth the spirit of the Instrument of Accession (IOA) and Annexed Agreement (AA) so that we can write either to the central government or through the Para 3 of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution,” he said.
He said that Paragraph 3 of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution will be studied in depth.
Syiem said Paragraph 3 empowers the District Council to make laws.
He said the intention is to study the IOA and AA to understand the terms and agreements for finding out ways to protect the indigenous identity.
He informed that there will be a meeting of the committee on April 23.
“We want to understand Paragraph 3 of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution so that as per Para 3 we will legislate laws to protect our interests,” he said.
The recommendations will be given to the EC and subsequently to be placed in the House, Syiem said.
The terms of reference of the committee is to study, discuss and analyse on all important records, documents and the provision of the Sixth Schedule.
The Advisory Committee will advise the Executive Committee with concrete suggestion and proposal for necessary action. It will also prepare a draft bill for placing the same in the session of the Council by the Executive Committee.