SHILLONG, Oct 20: The MDA Government does not seem to be keen on issuing any official notification to recognise the Dorbar Shnongs since they are already recognised by the autonomous district councils (ADCs).
Talking to The Shillong Times on Sunday, MDA spokesperson Ampareen Lyngdoh said the traditional institutions including Himas, Raids and Dorbar Shnongs are recognised under the Sixth Schedule.
Lyngdoh, who is also the Law Minister, said the recognition of the traditional institutions like the Dorbar Shnong by the ADCs is more than enough.
“The state government cannot overlook the ADCs. The question of the state government recognising the traditional institutions does not arise,” she said.
She was reacting to the demand of the Dorbar Shnong for official recognition from the state government following a directive from the Income Tax department to the Dorbar Shnong to get their Pan Card registration.
Lyngdoh said the Dorbar Shnong would have to get Income Tax exemption certificate as per procedure.
She pointed out that all non-profitable organisations are eligible for Income Tax exemption and added that the government will discuss the issue with the Dorbars.
“I will also be seeking the views of the officials of the Law department on the matter,” she said.
Lyngdoh said the government trusts the Rangbah Shnong and the Dorbar Shnong on matters relating to law and order or on any other matter concerning the overall interest of the citizens and the state.
She stated that the government has issued notifications defining the role of the village employment council (VEC), village health council (VHC) and so on in the implementation of various schemes and programmes of the government.
“We have also clearly defined the role of the local authorities in the implementation of the provisions laid down under the MRSSA, 2016 in the localities and village,” she added.
It may be added that Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SNSBH) secretary, RL Blah had recently stated that the Dorbar Shnongs are facing problems from the I-T department due to which they want the state government to come out with a gazette notification that the traditional institutions are recognized bodies of the state government.
“The I-T department is asking the Dorbar Shnongs to have Pan Card registration. We understand that as tribals we don’t have to pay tax. But we also understand that once we are enlisted with the department for Pan Card registration, we would be liable to file our tax returns,” Blah said.
He said when they met the Commissioner of Income Tax to discuss the new directive, they were told that the only way the problem could be resolved is for the state government to mention a single line through a gazette notification that it recognises the traditional institutions (Dorbar Shnong).
Blah mentioned that the Rangbah Shnongs are recognised by the autonomous district councils who issue them their appointment letters (Sanad) as per provisions of the Sixth Schedule.
“However, most of our dealings are with the state government and the district administration. Since the activities of the Rangbah Shnong are voluntary, it is not right for the government to use the Rangbah Shnongs only when needed,” he said.
