Advisory panel to meet govt on Sixth Schedule amendment

SHILLONG: The Advisory Committee on Legislation and Legal Issues will meet the state government soon to discuss on the amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Indian Constitution to incorporate the provisions regarding village councils and municipal councils under the jurisdiction of Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
This was informed in a statement issued by member of the committee, John Kharshiing. The committee, during a meeting, has called various organizations, including traditional heads to discuss on the matter. The committee is also studying the amendment of the Sixth Schedule as well as the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement (IOA & AA).Chairman of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and also of the committee stated that IOA & AA are valuable documents which can be applied to protect the rights of the indigenous people of the state.
Kharshiing said committee has decided to answer queries of the state government asking for explanation on IOA & AA. The IOA and AA was signed between the Centre and the Federation of Khasi States on December 15, 1947 and August 17, 1948.