KHADC to base discussion on building byelaws as per Sixth Schedule

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 24, 2019

SHILLONG: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has decided to base its discussion with the state government on the matter related to the building byelaws as per the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

It has also decided to amend the village and town planning Act to ensure only indigenous Khasi people are allowed to participate in the process of electing the town committees.

The decisions were taken at the meeting of the United Democratic Alliance-led executive committee held here on Friday.

“We have decided that our discussion with the state government pertaining to the framing of the building byelaws will be on the basis of the Sixth Schedule and by referring to the JHADC’s Village and Town Administration Act, 1975,” KHADC EM in-charge Town Committees Paul Lyngdoh told reporters after the meeting.

Lyngdoh said this was after he has apprised the EC about the flaws in the notification issued by the government on February 1, to hand over the power to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) for issuing of building permissions in areas outside municipality.

According to him, the confusion arising out of the notification has to a great extent affect the people.

“Therefore, we have decided to sit against before we meet the state government on the matter to ensure coming up with a permanent solution,” he said.

On the proposal of the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills District for constituting the Nongstoin Town Committee, the EM said the EC has decided to first amend the definition related to the right to franchise of people for electing the town committee, before taking a call on the matter.

“As per the Act, it has stated that a citizen of India who is a resident of the district. But we will change this to a Khasi resident of the district which means only Khasis can take part in the process of electing the town committee,” he added.