SHILLONG:
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has opposed the state cabinet approval to village councils in the state.
KHADC Chief Executive Member Titosstarwell Chyne told reporters that the UDA in its meeting on Thursday discussed the delay of the state government in releasing to the Council some schemes given by the central government which include untied scheme second installment for 2020-2021, health related scheme, and tied scheme worth Rs 60 crore (Rs 20 crore each).
The CEM also informed that the UDA took a strong exception to an approval given by the state cabinet related to the formation of village councils as proposed in the Sixth Schedule amendment.
“We do not agree with the proposal to have village councils as we already have our existing Dorbar Shnongs. The existence of village councils will be in conflict with our existing traditional Dorbar Shnongs and their functions,” the CEM said.
He said that a delegation of MDCs will meet Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma next week to seek a clarification on the village councils and delay the release schemes to the council given by the Centre.
“We also want to know whether it is a fact or not that there will be a cluster where some village councils will be formed into one cluster, and in that case, a headman of one of the villages will be the chairman of the cluster. This will bring a conflict in the system if we are going to have village councils,” he added.