SHILLONG, Aug 18: The six-month extension granted to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) is set to expire on September 5, raising concerns about the next steps as both the district councils have yet to complete their delimitation exercises.
The state government had extended the two councils’ terms on February 3, in light of the ongoing process to readjust the 29 existing constituencies within each Council. The original term was set to end on March 5, but with the extension coming to a close, there is growing uncertainty about whether the delimitation process can be completed in time for elections to be held and a new council installed by September 5.
This situation has prompted speculation about whether the government will extend the Councils’ terms again or impose Governor’s Rule, as the delimitation exercise remains incomplete.
The KHADC, for instance, has referred the delimitation committee’s report to a select committee for further examination. However, the select committee has yet to convene to discuss the report, and the proposed changes have already faced opposition.
One area of contention is the proposal to detach Mawlai Mawroh from the Mawlai constituency and attach it to the Jaiaw constituency. The Mawlai Mawroh Dorbar Shnong has strongly opposed this change. It also submitted a representation to Deputy Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pynshngain N Syiem, who chairs the select committee.
Even if the KHADC manages to pass the necessary amendment Bill to adjust the constituencies, the process does not end there. The Executive Committee (EC) would need to table the select committee’s report during a special session, and the Bill would still require government approval.
Meanwhile, the JHADC has also encountered obstacles in its delimitation efforts.
The Council recently passed the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Constitution of District Council) Amendment Bill, 2024, to adjust its 29 constituencies. However, this move has sparked opposition, particularly from residents of Nartiang village in West Jaintia Hills, who argue that the division of their village has fragmented their community and undermined their cultural unity.
Under the new amendment Bill, Iaw Nartiang has been incorporated into the Moodop-Umladang constituency, while Nartiang A and Nartiang B have been merged into the Nartiang-Wahiajer constituency. This division has left Nartiang A and Nartiang B without a Rangbah Shnong (Headman), a position crucial to maintaining the village’s unity and governance.
