Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today asked the Nokmas (village head) of Garo hills to adhere to their traditional administration system to ensure the progress and growth of the society.
Sangma was addressing 400 odd Nokmas from several parts of Garo hills having assembled at Ampati in South West Garo Hills for the 14 annual Nokma Council Conference.
"Our traditional administrative practice has withstood the test of time. Over the years, it has been diluted. We have to respect our traditional institution and make the system vibrant and acceptable for the people", the chief minister said.
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Assuring his government's commitment to empower the traditional bodies of the state, Dr Sangma said, "The traditional administrative system has to be an integral part of the day to day governance. The Nokmas should play a pivotal role in matters which concerns the society".
He remarked today the Nokmas are not exercising their powers in dealing with administrative justice, as people are approaching the police and other law enforcing agencies for petty issues and problems, which could have been otherwise dealt at the village court or in a Nokma's court.
"The Nokmas have to take the responsibility to revive their unique system, which is accepted and enshrined in the sixth schedule of the constitution", exhorted the Chief Minister.
Urging the Nokmas to take ownership of their A'king (clan land), the CM sought their partnership in furthering the growth and objectives of various welfare programmes, which are aimed to boost the economy of the state.
Making the Nokmas realize the importance of the traditional land system and rich natural resources, he asked them to avail benefits of schemes like - mission organic and mission green, which revolves around protection, conservation and reclamation of the green cover.
"To ensure that the democratic set-up functions effectively all organs of the society has to be empowered and Nokmas will play a very important role in the context of Garo society", the chief minister said.
He also spoke at length on the slew of initiatives taken up the government for the economic prosperity of the region.
The Nokmas Council meet is aimed to foster ties and understanding amongst the Nokmas of Garo hills.
There are about 1600 Nokmas in Garo hills, of which about 1300 are part of this grand council, working to empower them in partnership with government and other funding agencies.
