GHADC term extended by six months

SHILLONG, JAN 6: For the fourth consecutive time, Meghalaya government on Tuesday decided to extend the term of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) for another six months hoping that the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution will soon get centre’s nod.

With this extension, GHADC hopefully will hold its election with the increased number of seats, as per the agreed text settlement signed with the two Garo rebel outfits in September 24 last year.

“We have approved the proposal for extension of the term of the GHADC by another six months,” chief minister Mukul Sangma told reporters after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

On December 17 the state government had extended GHADC term by one month to enable to complete the election process.

Sangma, however, informed, “The decision was taken following the communication received from the Government of India informing that will be in a position and ready to introduce the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule in the forthcoming budget session of the parliament.”

Sangma justified the extension saying that the state government felt that it is better to allow the centre to complete the whole process. He said, “It is a win-win situation for all of us since it is part of the objective already incorporated in the text agreed settlement signed with ANVC and ANVC.B.”

While the term of the GHADC is due to expired on February 17, Sangma said that the extended term will be effective immediately from February 18.

As per the Agreed Text Settlement, it was agreed that its provision to increase the number of seats will also be extended to the two others Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) – KHADC and JHADC, of which their elections have already been held a year ago.

When queried on this, Sangma said, “Even though, the proposed amendment is to give effect to the increase number of seats, it will only be prudent for us to resort to the delimitation process in due time without disturbing the current and existing term of both KHADC and JHADC.”

Stating that nevertheless, since the increase number seats is also being proposed to cover the other two ADCs, Sangma  said, “Subsequent to this term, in the next elections, they (KHADC & JHADC) must have elections as per the mandate of the new amended provision of the Sixth Schedule.”

Sangma said in the meantime the state government will continue to engage with the Government of India on the matter. He also said the government will also undertake all necessary lobbying with other political parties so that the proposed amendment sails through smoothly at the minimum time required by the parliament.- By Our Reporter