MBOSE (Amendment) Bill passed amid protests

Shillong, Mar 24 (UNI) The controversial Meghalaya Board of School Education (Amendment) Bill, 2005, passed today despite a strong protest by NCP members from Garo hills who demanded another committee to review the issue.

As Deputy Chief Minister Dr Donkupar moved the Bill, NCP leader Edmund K Sangma stood up and called for another committee to look into the matter for taking the ''opinion of sections of the society.'' Mr Sangma apprehended that with the passing of the Bill, which was not in favour of the Garo people, trouble might again erupt in the region.

Law and order situation in Garo Hills might deteriorate, he added.

Later, all NCP members from the Garo Hills made an unsuccessful bid to stop passing of the Bill.

In a significant development, Congress members from the Garo hills were seen not opposing the Bill.

However, it was passed by voice vote.

Earlier on March 17, the eight-day Meghalaya budget session began with placing of the much-awaited Select Committe Report on MBOSE (Amendment) Bill, 2005 and MBOSE (second amendment) ordinance, 2005.

As per the report, the committee decided to make some recommendations in the House, which made it clear that the Principal Director earlier named in the Bill would hold the same position of the Board.

The Board's officials who shall be appointed by the government include Executive Chairman, Principal Direcotr, Director Administration, Director Accreditation and Controller of Examinations, Chief Accounts Officers and the Chief Academic Officers.

Regarding another controversial point which aggravated the NCP members from Garo Hills was that the committee advised to delete the name of Regional Office appearing in the Bill and substitute it as Shillong Meghalaya Board of School Education Office.

The amendment had earlier said the Shillong Office of the Board would be known as Regional Office.

The government had been trying to convince the Garo people that it had no intention to shift the MBOSE and its headquarters would remain in Tura only.

UNI PRS KK KD BS1707