SHILLONG, Dec 24 - Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan has given his assent to the JHADC (Establishment of Elaka and Village and Election, Appointment, Powers, functions and jurisdiction of Dolloi, Sirdar, and Waheh Shnong) Bill, 2015.
The Governor gave his approval to the Bill on Wednesday which would help empower the traditional headmen in the Jaintia
Hills region.
The Bill was passed in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) recently after the High Court ruled that traditional chiefs must first be empowered through legislations for various purposes such as issuing residential certificates.
Principal Secretary to the Governor, MS Rao said, the JHADC Bill would now be sent to the District Council Affairs department with
his assent.
On the other hand, the KHAD (Village Administration) Bill, 2015 passed by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) is still before the Governor waiting for his assent. The Bill is pending after opinions have been sought from the Centre.
Rao said KHAD Bill is with the Union Home Ministry as there are several provisions which are being examined by the Centre before approval is granted.
Delay in passage of these two Bills has resulted in several agitations in the State Capital this year. At least on two occasions thousands of people have held public meetings here demanding the passage of the Bills. The State Government has reiterated that it wants both the Bills are approved and have also requested the Centre to expedite their approval.
