Meghalaya: Govt. holds meeting to submit recommendation on amendment of Sixth Schedule

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Government today held final consultation with CEMs and Deputy CEMs of the three autonomous district council to submit its recommendation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule.

The State Government is now recommending that the term ‘unrepresented tribe’ be removed from the proposed amendment. The Government has also decided that number of elected and nominated members be restricted to a maximum of 40 members, which includes 4 nominated. However, flexibility to decide on the number of elected and nominated seats is vested with the respective district councils in the State.

The Govt also welcomed election to be held the Village Council for Garo Hills and Village Dorbar for Khasi – Jaintia Hills for carrying out inclusive developmental works. It has also recommended that the traditional bodies like the Nokmas, Dorbar Shnong etc shall continue in its existing format.

Briefing the media Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the Govt is not agreeable to the idea of have the term ‘unrepresented tribe’. However, nomination of members will be allowed with 50 % reservation for the women.

Sangma also informed that the State Govt has recommended that the Municipal Council shall continue with the three autonomous district council, however, the responsibilities and areas of operation and works should be discussed with town committees of the district councils.

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The amendment to the sixth schedule is being made by the Government of India to enable direct funding from the Finance Commission to the district councils in the State.

Briefing the media, the Sangma said that double vaccinated tourists will be allowed to visit Meghalaya for tourism related purposes from 1st September, 2021.

Tourists who are not vaccinated or vaccinated with a single dose will have to produce negative RTPCR/TrueNat/CBNAAT report valid only if they have tested within 72 Hrs prior to their arrival at the entry point.

Local tourists from within the State that are fully vaccinated/vaccinated with single dose will be allowed to visit any location in Meghalaya for tourism purposes. Local tourist who are not vaccinated will have to produce negative RTPCR/TrueNat/CBNAAT report before checking into any hotel or visit to any tourist spot.

Govt. has also decided to reopen all Colleges in Meghalaya from September 1st. For Schools in Urban areas, Class 1-5 may have online classes, Class 6-8 may have school visits & Class 9-12 may be opened. For Schools in Rural areas, Class 1-5 may have school visits & Class 6-12 may be opened. However, the school and colleges have been given the flexibility to decide on the matter, whether to open or not to open.

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