SHILLONG, Jan 20 - The Meghalaya Assembly on Monday approved a resolution to ratify the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019. The Bill was passed by Parliament for extension of reservation seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assemblies for another 10 years and required ratification of the Assemblies.
The resolution for the ratification was tabled by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma during the one-day special session held on Monday. After two hours of deliberation, the resolution was unanimously passed by the House.
Sangma said during the discussion that the ratification of the Bill was required once every 10 years, after the expiry of the period of 70 years from the commencement of the Constitution. He said these provisions will cease to have effect on January 25, 2020, if not extended.
On problems faced by the people in filing the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), Sangma said the TDS was only for keeping of accounts and not an income deduction, as the tribals of the state are exempted from the purview of Income Tax Deduction. He however, reiterated that he would take up the matter with the Government of India.
Leader of Opposition from the Congress, Mukul Sangma said the members of the House should be concerned for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes of the state and look at all angles in the event for ratification of the Bill.
Several other members took part in the discussion. The House also observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to former Kerala Minister and MLA Thomas Chandy and other leaders who passed away when the House was not in session. The House was later adjourned sine die.