JOWAI, July 10: The Jaintia Students’ Movement (JSM) has welcomed Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s demand for the Centre to delegate powers under Section 26 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to regulate coal mining in Meghalaya’s Scheduled Areas.
The JSM stated that this is currently the most viable path to resume regulated mining and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of families in Jaintia Hills who have been affected by the prolonged ban.
However, the organisation asserted that the delegation of these powers must not dilute the constitutional rights of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) under the Sixth Schedule.
The JSM urged the state government to ensure that once the powers are delegated, any proposed law is drafted in full consultation with the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
The group maintained that the legislation should be passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and receive the Governor’s assent to ensure it carries full legal force.
A joint approach between the state and the JHADC, the JSM added, would ensure that the new framework reflects both the developmental needs of the state and the traditional land ownership rights and customs of the tribal people.
