Govt seeks ADCs’ inputs on draft amendment to Sixth Schedule

SHILLONG, April 25: The state government has asked the three autonomous district councils to suggest recommendations and changes to be incorporated in the draft amendment to the Sixth Schedule.
“The amendment is in the final stage and we had requested the CEMs of the three district councils to hold a meeting and give their recommendations to the government,” Deputy Chief Minister in charge of District Council Affairs, Prestone Tynsong said on Tuesday.
He admitted that there were problems with regard to the issue of village councils and the unrepresented tribes and said, “The ADCs are against it and even the state government will raise objection on the two issues.”
Tynsong said that once the ADCs give their recommendations, the draft amendment will be finalised and sent to the Government of India through the concerned ministry,” he added.
It may be added that the central government’s move to amend the Sixth Schedule through the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Amendment) Bill, 2019, have put the three autonomous district councils in Meghalaya in a state of discomfort over fears that he proposed introduction of the “village council” will lead to dilution of the authority of the traditional heads.
The proposed amendment seeks to provide for village councils in addition to the existing village development councils.
The ADCs are also against inclusion of “minor tribes” as other beneficiaries of the Sixth Schedule.
The ADCs are unprepared to make it inclusive and are adamant about opposing the Centre’s move in this regard.
Attempting to take a unified stand against the proposed changes in the Sixth Schedule, the KHADC, JHADC and GHADC on Monday said they will impress upon the Centre to table the revised Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019, within this year.
A resolution to this effect was adopted during a meeting of the three Chief Executive Members – Titosstarwell Chyne (KHADC), Thombor Shiwat (JHADC) and Albinush R Marak (GHADC) on Monday.