SHILLONG, June 25: In a high-stakes battle over the first-ever formalisation of the KHADC’s workforce in 65 years, Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh has accused the Opposition of attempting to “sabotage” the 2026 Service Rules Bill. The legislation could determine whether the Council finally sheds its long-standing reputation for backdoor appointments and administrative chaos
The dispute between Lyngdoh and Leader of Opposition Titostarwell Chyne has intensified following the Council’s Summer Session. At the heart of the row is Chyne’s attempt to delete the entire Bill through amendments—a move the CEM described as a “wrecking amendment” intended to defeat the reform.
For over six decades, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has functioned without codified service rules, leaving recruitment vulnerable to nepotism and political patronage. Lyngdoh argued that the Executive Committee (EC) introduced the Bill to finally professionalize the Sixth Schedule institution and streamline service conditions.
“If there were concerns regarding certain provisions, the Opposition could have suggested clause-by-clause amendments for debate,” Lyngdoh said, expressing disappointment that Chyne sought to scrap the legislation entirely. He added that such a move was “unprecedented” in the Council’s history and praised Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana for disallowing the amendment.
Chyne, however, dismissed the CEM’s accusations, maintaining that the Opposition’s role is to scrutinise government proposals and ensure public accountability. He argued that elected representatives have every right to question provisions within any Bill brought by the Executive Committee.
The Opposition Leader stated that challenging the Bill is a matter of public interest and should be viewed as part of the Council’s democratic functioning rather than a personal attack on the EC’s efforts.
While the Executive Committee frames the Bill as a long-overdue reform to ensure merit-based hiring, the Opposition insists on its right to challenge the specifics of the transition.
The outcome of this political standoff will ultimately decide whether the Council moves toward a professionalised workforce or remains governed by the administrative gaps of the last 65 years.
