Meghalaya autonomous council flays Moily's recommendation

Shillong, Apr 30 (UNI) The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Meghalaya has criticised Union minister Veerappa Moily for recommending to Parliament to abolish the three existing Autonomous District Councils in the state.

Mr Moily, who headed the second Administrative Reform Commission, has recommended the abolition of Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills Autonomous District Councils on the grounds that Meghalaya is a 'majority tribal state' and 'the tribals themselves now head the government'.

''The ARC's recommendation is not valid so far as Meghalaya is concerned as there can be no substitute to the existing traditional institutions which imbibe a concept of identity through religion, administrative and judicial set up, basis of the tribal society,'' KHADC executive member in-charge Information and Public Relations Latiplang Kharkongor said.

Mr Kharkongor said there is no clash of interest between the state government and the ADCs as it has been incorporated by the Sixth Scheduled and functions within its ambit.

''The ADCs are set up with the sole objective to protect and fulfill the aspirations of tribals in matter of traditions, including cultures customs and form of life,'' he said.

Mr Kharkongaor said the ADCs, established since 1952, still need to retain under the provision of the Sixth Scheduled to fulfill the cherished aspirations of the tribal community.

He further said even the previous committees of Parliament headed by D S Bhuria and inquiry commission headed by Chief Justice S K Dutta valued the role of ADCs for tribal communities.

State Minister in-charge, District Council Affairs, Paul Lyngdoh said the government would not accept the ARC recommendation, as district councils are the means to strengthen the grassroots democracy in the state.

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