Nokma council opposes govt's recommendation for introduction of village councils in Garo Hills
TURA:
The Nokma Council and Garo civil societies have rejected the recommendation sent by the Meghalaya government to the Centre for the introduction of village and municipal councils in Garo Hills in the proposed 6th Schedule Amendment Bill.
Urging the state government to totally withdraw the recommendation, the Nokma council and Garo civil societies said that it would have a negative impact on the traditional fabric of the Garo society as well as the functioning and structures of the region’s local bodies.
Previously, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had recommended introduction of village and municipal councils in the Garo Hills region to facilitate better appropriation of funds from the finance commission and effective implementation of various government schemes.
Sangma, however, had reiterated that the roles of Nokmas, traditional heads, in region will remain as it is, and appointment of headmen and chiefs, including Nokmas, would continue. He had also added that the provision of landholdings and land laws will remain within the ambit of the district council and the Nokmas, and not the village councils.
The Nokma Council and Garo civil societies have unanimously resolved to convene a protest rally cum public meeting on September 6 at Nokma Council office at Balading in Tura, West Garo Hills.
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