Pyniaid Syiem elected as new KHADC chairman

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 27, 2020

Two-time member from Sohryngkham Pyniaid Sing Syiem on Wednesday was elected unopposed as the new chairman of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

The election was held following the recent resignation of former chairman and Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah MDC Pynshngainlang N Syiem. 

Deputy Chairman Alvin Sawkmie announced that Pyniaid Sing Syiem was elected uncontested after the opposition side has decided not to field any candidate.

Pyniaid was felicitated with a traditional shawl and was escorted to the chair by KHADC chief Titosstarwell Chyne, Leader of Opposition Lamphrang Blah and Deputy CEM Gigur Myrthong.  

Addressing the House, the newly elected chairman recalled the saying of JJM Nichols Roy that joining politics was a special calling from God and said “all elected members have their own role to play to serve the indigenous community and the state as a whole. 

He said the House is a platform for members to discuss on various issues and ideas especially on the need to protect and preserve the traditions and culture of the indigenous community through the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. 

“It is disheartening to know that there have been suggestions on the need to do away with the district councils in the state. Therefore, there is need to further strengthen the district council through the executive, legislative and judiciary,” he said.  

On the various legislation passed by the KHADC, Pyniaid said a total of 61 Bills have got assent of the Governor and have become Acts ever since the Council came into existence in 1952. 

He informed that 11 Bills are pending with the office of the Governor while 18 have been returned by the District Council Affairs (DCA) for rectification and 40 other Bills were returned for clarification. 

He however informed two Bills have been recalled by the executive committee for further fine tuning. 

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“I request the executive committee to take up the matter related to the pending Bills and from the legislative wing, we are ready to extend our full cooperation to ensure they got the necessary approval at the earliest,” Pyniaid said.

The chairman further suggested the need to recall the KHADC (Constitution and the Procedure and Conduct of Business) Rules, 2018.

“The Bill is still pending with the DCA department and very soon we will meet the CEM to discuss on the matter,” he said 

Earlier while congratulating the new chairman, KHADC chief said that Pyniaid is an experience member and is fit to take over the coveted post.

“You have served the council in different capacities as a deputy chairman and deputy chief executive member. With your experiences, we are confidence that you will be able to perform well,” the CEM said.