By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 12: The KHADC will host a joint meeting of the three autonomous district councils (ADCs) in Shillong on July 20 to discuss the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
KHADC CEM, Pyniaid Sing Syiem said the scheduled meeting of the ADCs is very critical since they have unofficially received information that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be inviting the CEMs of the all district councils of the region to Delhi to discuss the amendment of the Sixth Schedule.
According to him, there is an expectation that the Union Government is likely to table the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Amendment) Bill, 2019 that seeks to amend provisions related to the Finance Commission and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in the Lok Sabha during the upcoming budget session.
“Nothing has been confirmed. We are just anticipating the bill,” Syiem added.
It may be mentioned that the amendment bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2019.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the KHADC, Titosstarwell Chyne on Friday urged the Executive Committee (EC) to ensure that the Select Committee (SC) completes its task of studying the report of the Delimitation Committee (DC) for readjustment of the electorate in the council’s 29 existing constituencies.
Raising the issue during Question Hour on the final day of the council’s summer session, Chyne said the decision of the House to refer the matter to the DC has been wrongly projected on social media.
Referring to comments on social media, he said they are accusing that this decision was taken with the intention to again extend the term of the House.
“It is really disappointing to accuse us that we are greedy for power. But I want to make it clear that we would like to see that election is held at the earliest,” Chyne said.
In his reply, Deputy Chief Executive Member, PN Syiem said the mind of the EC was very clear on the first day itself that they would want to ensure the SC is able to complete its job at the earliest.
“I have also stated that we will be convening a special session to allow the members to deliberate on the observation of the committee on the report of the SC on the floor of the House,” Syiem said.
He also said that a majority of the MDCs would want to go to the people and face the election.
He further stated that it is not for the council but for the government and the Governor to decide on holding the election.
“We are ready to face the election, whether it is as per the new proposed delimitation or as per the existing constituencies,” Syiem said.
UDP MDC from Nongpoh, Balajied Ranee said there should not be any more delay. He said if the SC begins its exercise, they, as MDCs, can submit their views and suggestions.
Replying to this, Syiem assured that the SC will be on the job at the earliest.