SHILLONG, JUNE 4: Notwithstanding to the oppositions against the rectified VA Bill, the traditional heads on Thursday decided to stick to their earlier demand for immediate passing of the bill in order to end the present stalemate that has crippled their functioning for the past five months.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Joint Action Committee of the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong, an umbrella body of headmen held, on Thursday.
“We welcomed the bill and we want it to be passed immediately to resolve the present situation, which has affected the functioning of the headmen in the state,” SRS president Werlock Kharshiing told newsmen after the meeting.
Sticking to the resolutions adopted at a public rally on May 30, Kharshiing said, “The resolutions to demand for immediate passing of both the bills passed by the KHADC and JHADC besides the assent of the Governor within June 10 will also be submitted to the state government for necessary action.”
Opposition regional alliance – the ARPA as well as prominent ngos like the KSU, FKJGP and KWWADA have raised objection against the deletion of two clauses in the KHAD (Village Administration) Bill, 2015 passed by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) at a special session held last week.
According to them, the deletion of Section 5 sub-sections 8 and 16 kills the ‘spirit of the VAB’, which is to safeguard the identity of the indigenous community.
They have also demanded the retaining of two clauses while contesting that the original bill is far better than the rectified one.
When enquired about this contention of others, Kharshiing said, “We are no legal experts to comment on this. We don’t know whether these deleted sections are in conflict with central laws or not,” adding “The subject is debatable.”
While stating that in a democratic set up, there are always two sections those in favour and those against, he, however, said, “But the fact remains that it’s always the ‘majority’ that counts.”
The SRS president also stated that the role of the headmen is to only to urge the MDCs to bring amendments to the bills, if there any flaws in them.
“Only after Bills get the assent of the Governor, the headmen will sit again to find out the flaws if any and accordingly proposed the necessary amendments to make the bills more effective,” Kharshiing said.
He said, “We will also meet the MDCs both from ruling and opposition to discuss with them on the issue.”- By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours