By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 14: The pursuit of Article 371 by the Voice of the People Party (VPP) has triggered an intense debate over its potency versus the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Representatives of various political parties discussed the matter together on Friday at a symposium on Article 371(A), Article 371(G), and the Sixth Schedule, organised by Sankardev College. There was no representative from the VPP.
The speakers included advocates Erwin K Syiem Sutnga, Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait, Mewaker Lyngdoh, state Congress secretary Manuel Badwar and UDP vice president Robertjune Kharjahrin. Mewaker Lyngdoh represented BJP. They all shared their views and analyses, citing examples and making references.
They deliberated on the impact of these constitutional provisions on governance, autonomy and indigenous rights in Meghalaya, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections in Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council.
Nonglait highlighted that provisions under Article 371 can be modified or denied by the Assembly and stressed the need for MDCs to effectively use the Sixth Schedule while they legislate laws.
Kharjahrin pointed out that Article 371 serves a preventive function, whereas Sixth Schedule is governing in nature.
Badwar argued that Article 371 and Sixth Schedule cannot co-exist, noting that a significant part of the state is already governed under Sixth Schedule which makes Article 371 unnecessary.
Mewaker Lyngdoh cautioned against engaging in sensitive issues due to potential unforeseen ramifications while Sutnga urged MDCs not to misuse their power, emphasizing that MDCs wield more authority than MLAs in certain cases.
The experts addressed various queries and doubts raised by students. The programme was hosted and moderated by Phibasiewdor Dohling and Rapmebantei Kharkongor, Assistant Professors of the college.
Around 300 participants, including faculty members and students from 20 different colleges and universities across Meghalaya, attended the symposium.