Public hearing on delimitation of constituencies held

Shillong, May, 31 (UNI) The first public hearing on the Delimitation Commission was today took the views and suggestions of political parties and NGOs from the five districts of Meghalaya.

The hearing was attended by senior leaders of various political parties from South Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills districts urged the Commission to suggest the government to implement the delimitation with effect from 2009.

The public hearing was chaired by its Chairman Justice Kuldip Singh.

Talking to reporters after the first hearing, Justice Singh, however, said though the Delimitation Commission can complete its task within three weeks, it depended on the Central government as to when how it wanted to implement.

On today's hearing, Justice Singh said various views were raised by the people. He said the Commission was ready to submit its final report on the state delimitation within June.

"The date to implement the delimitation will be approved by the President of India as per the advice of the Government of India'', the Commission Chairman said.

Justice Singh said that an all party meeting had recommended for the implementation of the delimitation in the whole states from 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

Associate members of the Commission including Purno A Sangma were present during the public hearing.

Mr Sangma said the NCP, he leads, wanted the present arrangement should continue for the 2008 assembly elections.

He said in all party meeting, all the parties favoured that the delimitation should be applicable from 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

UNI