SHILLONG, March 9: Congress members of the KHADC have said they would not accept any amendment to the Sixth Schedule if it dilutes the existing traditional system and practices prevailing among the Khasi-Pnar community.
The party said the amendment should not weaken the existing traditional institutions such as the Dorbar Shnong, Hima or Elaka.
Moving a motion in the KHADC on the proposed amendment, Congress MDC from Mylliem, Ronnie V Lyngdoh said there is a need for more clarity on the proposals in the proposed amendment, especially to the contentious “unrepresented tribe”.
“We had witnessed that people who do not belong to the Garo community managed to become members of the GHADC. We cannot allow this to happen in the KHADC,” Lyngdoh said.
He said the Executive Committee should exert pressure for the deletion of the word “unrepresented tribes” in the proposed amendment.
Lyngdoh also opposed the proposed establishment of village councils as these would contradict the customary practices of the indigenous people and dilute the power and prominence of the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raij or Dorbar Hima.
Pointing out that Meghalaya has been exempted from the purview of the Panchayati Raj system, he sought dedicated funds for the council in line with the Panchayati Raj.
“We require special funding since our revenue has come down drastically, especially after the NGT put a ban on the mining of coal in the state,” he added.
Taking part in the motion, Opposition leader P.N Syiem lauded the Executive Committee for raising objections to a few of the glaring defects in the proposed amendment that may have a negative impact on the prevailing system and practices.
“The present Sixth Schedule has given us protection, whether it is the rights over land or to protect our traditional custom and practices. There are many minus points in the proposed amendment. We need to take advantage of this move by the Centre in our favour since the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule is being done after so many years,” he stated.
In his reply, Chief Executive Member Titosstarwell Chyne said both the state government and the KHADC have strongly opposed the word “unrepresented tribe” mentioned in the proposed amendment.
He said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had also clarified that in the proposed amendment approved by the Cabinet, the term ‘village council’ is being included with ‘village Dorbar’, which means that in Garo Hills they may accept the word ‘village council’ but in Khasi-Jaintia Hills the word ‘village Dorbar’ would be more applicable.
“So, the question of the village council in Khasi-Jaintia Hills does not arise. We would like to ensure from our side that village Dorbar should not be removed,” Chyne said.
He added that all traditional practices and institutions should be strengthened according to the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution.