Traditional institutions to be involved in govt schemes & progs: Rowell
SHILLONG: Taking a step forward to end the stalemate over Meghalaya High Court ruling derecognizing the powers of headmen, the Cabinet on Monday approved an ordinance to empower traditional institutions.
The State Cabinet in a meeting approved the Meghalaya Local Administration (Empowerment of Traditional Institutions, Traditional Bodies, Headmen in Governance Delivery System) Ordinance, 2015 which was proposed by the Law department, an official source said after the meeting.
The Ordinance will be sent to Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi for his assent.
Monday’s decision on the issue was significant following a hue and cry after an order passed by Meghalaya High Court on December 10 last year. It questioned the power of Rangbah Shnongs (headmen) who are the heads of the village dorbar in Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
“Once it gets Governor’s assent, the Government will immediately frame the rules for implementation of the Ordinance,” the source said adding that the Ordinance would be applicable in the whole state.
The Cabinet deliberated upon the details of the proposed ordinance to give effect to the Ordinance with the spirit of empowering the traditional institutions, an official statement said.
The proposed legislative measure through Ordinance is specific for ensuring the involvement of the traditional bodies in respect of development programmes of the government in the best interest of the people and the state, the statement added.
In another decision, the Cabinet decided to bring amendments in some sections of the Meghalaya Special Court Act, 2014. It also approved the Meghalaya Special Court (Amendment) Bill, 2015.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Law department Rowell Lyngdoh has said that the Ordinance on traditional institutions seeks to involve traditional institutions in implementation of Government programmes and schemes.
According to Lyngdoh, the Ordinance will not be applicable as far as issuance of NOC pertaining to trading license since it falls under purview of district council.
“With this Ordinance, the traditional institutions are empowered to issue residential certificates in the case of birth, for obtaining ST certificates, opening of bank account, bank loan, or any Government schemes.
The Ordinance will become law once it is approved by the State assembly.
Opposition: Earlier in the day, the Meghalaya Indigenous Youth Federation opposed passing of ordinance for empowering headman within the jurisdiction of the Autonomous District Councils.
In a petition submitted to the State Government, the convener of the organization C Lyngdoh urged the Government to order the three District Councils in the state to make laws for the headman within the ambit of the sixth schedule of the constitution.
Stating that the brining of an ordinance would further confuse the entire issue, the organisation said it would not tolerate if the Government snatches away the power of the three councils by Para 12 (a) of the Sixth Schedule.
Meanwhile, the organization also shot off a petition to the KHADC CEM Adelbert Nongrum asking them to form a strong executive council to solve the impending issue of snatching the powers and functions of the headman.
