Panel directs ADCs to give views on draft bill

A high level committee in Meghalaya today directed the three ADCs to study and give their views on the government draft bill by November end.
"We have decided to seek extension till January 31 next year from the state government to be able to finalize the process relating to the institutionalization of traditional institutions in the state," Chief Adviser to the government D D Lapang, who is heading the committee, told mediapersons after the meeting.
"We have also decided to send the draft bill (Meghalaya Grassroot Institution Governance Act) to all the 3 ADCs with a direction that they complete the process of studying and giving their views by the end of next month (November)," he said.

The committee which has members from all political parties and headed by the former chief minister also emphasized that the ADCs in the process, apart from suggesting amendments, can also proposed fresh proposals.
"With this, we want to ensure the actual colour of the bill is not diluted or minimize the importance of tradition," he said.
Asked about the decision of majority of the traditional bodies' chiefs to quit as members of the committee, Lapang said, "Some have withdrawn from the committee as they are confused but I reiterate that the purpose of this committee is to legalize and put in proper form the traditions and usages."

He however, said, "Since the three chief executive members (CEMs) of the district councils are still members of the committee, the traditional institutions ultimately are covered under the committee.