By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Meghalaya has proposed a series of critical changes to the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2019, urging the Centre to review them before passing the legislation.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma conveyed the state’s official position to Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong.
The recommendations were compiled in a memorandum prepared after consultations with stakeholders and the state’s three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
One of the key concerns raised by Meghalaya relates to the Bill’s proposal to nominate representatives from tribes that do not secure elected seats.
The state argued that such a provision could be difficult to implement because of the large number of tribes and sub-tribes in Meghalaya, potentially leading to demands for representation from multiple communities.
Instead, the state proposed that nominated positions be reserved for individuals with expertise in fields such as education, sports, administration and business, while also ensuring representation for women.
The government also supported the proposed expansion of the ADCs but suggested changes to the structure of some councils.
For the Khasi Hills ADC, Meghalaya proposed a 40-member council comprising 36 elected and four nominated members.
For the Garo Hills ADC, the state favoured a 40-member council instead of the 42-member structure proposed in the Bill. It also recommended that at least two of the nominated members should be women.
For the Jaintia Hills ADC, Meghalaya proposed a 32-member council comprising 30 elected and two nominated members, with at least one woman among the nominees. The state cited the district’s smaller size and population for the recommendation.
Apart from the proposed amendments, Meghalaya raised four other issues before the Centre. One of them was the need for stronger safeguards against illegal immigration.
The state sought consideration of mechanisms such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and provisions available under the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA).
The memorandum also reiterated Meghalaya’s demand for the inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, noting that the Meghalaya Assembly has already adopted a resolution supporting the proposal.
On proposed revisions to the Sixth Schedule, the government said consultations with states, ADCs and other stakeholders should take place before any decision is made.
It stated that a consultative approach would help preserve and strengthen constitutional protections available to tribal areas.
Meghalaya also raised concerns over proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The state conveyed apprehensions expressed by various organisations about the possible impact of the changes on institutions receiving foreign contributions and managing related assets.
Sangma described the memorandum as the state’s official position on the matter and said it was prepared after extensive consultations and a detailed review of the proposed legislation.
According to Sangma, Amit Shah responded positively to the issues raised and advised Meghalaya to continue discussions with the Centre by sending representatives to New Delhi and sharing detailed inputs on the proposed FCRA amendments.
The state government said it would remain in dialogue with the Centre on the four issues and work towards amendments to the 125th Amendment Bill reflecting Meghalaya’s stance.