Amidst protest from several quarters, Congress-led government in Meghalaya today tabled an ordinance which seeks to re-empower traditional institutions and headmen whose powers were clipped by the High Court last year.
The notification on the Meghalaya Local Administration (Empowerment of Traditional Institutions, Traditional Bodies and Headmen in Governance and Public Delivery System) Ordinance, 2015 was tabled by the Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Law Department, Rowell Lyngdoh, on the first day of the autumn session, which began here today.
Leader of Opposition Donkupar Roy sought clarification on the next move of the state government after the ordinance was tabled.
According to him, as per convention, the ordinance has to be brought in the form of a bill if it has to continue or be implemented in the state.
In reply, the Deputy Chief Minister said, "We have laid the notification relating to the ordinance and the next move of the government is that it is trying to have consultation with various political parties in the state on the matter."
Giving more clarity on the proposed move of the government, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma added, "In fact, we have invited all political parties for discussion on the issue recently in which only few political parties responded."
Referring to the telephone conversation he had with the Leader of Opposition on the matter, Sangma said, "I had spoken to Donkupar where we have abundantly made it clear that the government does not intend to introduce a regular bill, in view of the circumstances before us.
