Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 101/15

COMMITTEE TO INSTITUTIONALIZE TRADITIONAL BODIES FORMED

Shillong, March 4, 2015: Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma today convened a meeting of the traditional heads, representatives of the people, stakeholders, academicians, political parties and the District Councils of both Khasi and Jaintia Hills to deliberate and discuss the issue of empowering and institutionalizing the traditional bodies and the pending Khasi Hills District (Village Administration) Bill, 2014 and other issues including the recent High Court direction regarding the issuance of NOCs by the local heads.

The meeting arrived at a consensus in adopting the right approach to the issues it was proposed that a committee be formed with the Chief Adviser to the State Government, Dr. D D Lapang as its Chairman.

In order to shorten a period of time from the decision taken till the notification of the proposed committee, it was also proposed that all political parties nominate their representatives each to the Political Department with 48 hours. There will be representative from the State Government and the District Councils will be represented by the respective CEMs and one each from the Opposition to make the committee more inclusive.

Similarly those representing the various civil society organizations would also send the names of their representatives, Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnongs will send two representatives each both from the urban and rural area as well as the the Syiems and the Dolois will also send their representatives.

On issue of the pending bill of the KHADC which is to be sent for the consideration or assent of the Governor, it was discussed that some of the provisions of the Bill to be addressed by the District Council would be indicated to the department of District Council Affairs and accordingly the action has to be taken by the KHADC so that the proposed bill do not come into conflict with any of the existing laws enacted by the State Legislature or by the Parliament.

As far as the pending Bill is concerned, KHADC CEM has sought an appointment with the Chief Minister and they have decided to meet again on Thursday. The Chief Minister said that the most important part is to ensure that we come up with an appropriate mechanism so that we are capable of framing rules or even a law if need be, to institutionalize the traditional bodies so as to enable them for proactive partnership in sharing the responsibilities of both governance and delivery of developmental programmes for the best interest of the people.

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the meeting, which according to him had lots of futuristic approach in involving all the stakeholders as sharing of responsibilities and building partnership are crucial approach to governance. He also expressed his gratitude to all those who responded to the invitation of the government and shared their enlightened views and suggestions which made it possible for the meeting to “sum up and take the way forward”.