KHADC needs to address problem of landlessness among tribals: Peter Shallam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 28, 2025

Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) candidate from Laitumkhrah-Malki Peter Shallam on Tuesday asserted the need for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to address the problem of landlessness and poverty among the rural populace, environment degradation and revamping the United Khasi Jaintia Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chiefs & Headmen) Act, 1959.

Speaking to reporters after filing his nomination paper for the February 21-KHADC polls, , Shallam said, “We need to take KHADC elections seriously. We need to take care of the rural hamlets where people are affected with poverty and faced with the problem of landlessness because this is growing exponentially.”

Stating that mining and quarrying activities adversely affected the environment to a great extent, the KHNAM candidate said, “Therefore, through the KHADC, we should rejuvenate the water bodies and restore back the ecosystem. Over 749 water sources as we know are in critical conditions. Therefore, the role of the KHADC is crucial on this.”

He also questioned the failure of the past executive committees in the KHADC to reply to the queries of the home ministry on the Village Administration Bill (VAB), 2014.

“The headmen are functioning based on different rules as there is no uniform rule and this affects the manner in which villages are being governed.”

Shallam also emphasized the need to revamp the United Khasi Jaintia Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chiefs & Headmen) Act, 1959 and said, “For example in Ri Bhoi, the traditional heads are taking advantage by charging exorbitant fees in the selling and buying of land. This affected the people, who are buying land for commercial cultivation. Therefore, it is the need of the hour for the KHADC to revamp the Act of 1959.”