LS members pitch for more powers to District Councils in NE

Members in the Lok Sabha today made a strong case for strengthening and expansion of the institution of District Councils in the North East.

Participating in a discussion on a Private Member's Bill seeking amendment of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, Sunil Kumar Singh (BJP) suggested that the government should implement the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee report for the development of the North Eastern region.

The government in 1957 had appointed the committee headed by Mehta to suggest steps for improvement of local self government institutions in different parts of the country.

Speaking on the bill introduced by Vincent Pala (Congress), Singh said the government should ensure that forestry rights are not taken away from the tribals who depend on forest resources for their livelihood.

Singh also urged the government to come up with official amendments to strengthen and expand the scope of the District Councils.

Dushyant Chautala (INLD) said that the powers of the District Councils, which play an important role in development of the region, should be expanded.

Jagdambika Pal (BJP) suggested that the number of members in the District Councils be raised from 30 to 40 to ensure efficient functioning of these bodies.

The discussion remained inconclusive and will continue later.