ADCs asked to give inputs on draft amendment to Sixth Schedule: Meghalaya Dy CM

The three ADCs are opposing the Centre's proposal to amend the Sixth Schedule through the Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019

The Meghalaya government has asked the three autonomous district councils to suggest recommendations and changes to be incorporated in the draft amendment to the Sixth Schedule, which is in its final stage.

The Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, also in charge of District Council Affairs, Prestone Tynsong, said, “the amendment is in the final stage. I have requested the CEM (Chief Executive Member) of the district council to hold a meeting among themselves and all the three district councils and give the government some recommendations.”

Tynsong also stated that there is a problem with the village council and the unrepresented tribe, adding that at that time they (the ADC) were totally against it, and even from the government side, was against it.

“So very soon we have to sit down, and the final draft of the amendment will be sent to the Government of India through the ministry.” Tynsong added.

The three autonomous district councils (ADC)—KHADC (Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council), JHADC Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council), and GHADC (Garo Hills Autonomous District Council) are opposing the Centre’s proposal to amend the Sixth Schedule through the Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019, because they believe the introduction of the “village council” will dilute the power of the traditional heads.

The amendment seeks to add village councils to the list of village development councils already in place.

The ADCs are also opposing “minor tribes” being included in the list of the Sixth Schedule as other beneficiaries.

Earlier, the KHADC, JHADC, and GHADC said they would pressurise the Centre to table the revised Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019, this year.

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