SHILLONG:
National People’s Party (NPP) member of district council (MDC), Lamphrang Blah was elected as the new chairman of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on February 7.
The four-time MDC of Mawphlang Diengiei was elected unopposed, announced Deputy Chairman Alvin Sawkmie during a special session convened for the election following the resignation of Pyniaid Sing Syiem.
Soon after, chief executive member (CEM) Titosstarwell Chyne and leader of Opposition escorted Blah as he took over as the newly elected chairman of the council. Almost all the members from the ruling as well as the opposition bench took part in the felicitation ceremony.
“I have full faith and confidence that you will be able to further uplift the legislative wing in particular and the council as a whole,” Chyne said, congratulating Blah. Chyne also emphasised on the need to strengthen the coordination between the legislative and the executive.
In his address, Blah expressed his gratefulness to all the members of the council for putting their faith in him. “It will be my responsibility to work together for strengthening the rules and regulations of this council,” he said.
He also assured to follow up with the different bills passed by the council which are pending with the state government and the office of the Governor for assent.
Syiem urged the new chairman to bring necessary amendment to the Assam-Meghalaya Autonomous District (Constitution of District Council) Rules as according to him, there are provisions in the rules that no longer suit with the present day.
To which, Blah said that he would work together with the executive committee on the matter. “We will sit to discuss on this issue as during the tenure of the former CEM HS Shylla, a proposal was already submitted but it is lying pending with the state government,” he said.
United Democratic Party (UDP) MDC from Jaiaw, Paul Lyngdoh said that the council needs to prepare itself for the challenges post the amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Indian constitution.