SHILLONG, Aug 29: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) on Saturday said the village and municipal councils are redundant as the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) have traditional institutions in place in accordance with the local tribal customs.
Party president KP Pangniang said the HSPDP is very clear about the establishment of the village and municipal councils in the proposed amendment to the Sixth Schedule. “Since all ADCs have traditional institutions in place by following local tribal customs, there is no need or requirement for village and municipal councils in areas administrated by them,” he said.
He added that the party discussed this aspect with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and “he seems to be on the same page”.
The HSPDP chief said the Chief Minister is of the view that the traditional practices of the ADCs should continue and that the village and municipal councils should not be formed.
Sangma had earlier said the Sixth Schedule is being amended to deal with aspects such as Anti-Defection Law, Article 280 for the constitution of a Finance Commission and to give financial powers to the ADCs.
He had also said that they decided to recommend the council elections for GHADC and let the village Dorbar continue in JHADC and KHADC according to the procedures mentioned under para 2A of the amended law.
Sangma said the ADCs should have sufficient powers to work out the procedure for conducting the election of the village Dorbar.
