Shillong: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has urged the Central Government to intervene and implement the 1948 Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement signed between the Government of India and the 25 Khasi States.
In a letter addressed to Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar, HITO has requested the constitution of a special committee headed by the Union Home Minister to oversee the implementation of the historical agreement.
The organization has also proposed several reforms to the Meghalaya Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) to enhance their effectiveness and address long-standing issues.
The organization has advocated for de-politicizing the ADCs to ensure their focus remains on preserving and promoting the social and customary laws and practices of the indigenous communities.
To ensure the active involvement of traditional leaders in the process of codifying social customary laws and practices, HITO also proposed to allocate ten (10) nominated seats in both the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) to the Chiefs (Syiem, Lyngdoh, Sirdar, Wahadar & Dolloi) of Hima/Elaka.
“These nominated Members would be elected among themselves and serve a two-year term. This initiative would enable all 54 Khasi and 19 Jaintia Hima/Elaka to contribute to the codification process. To address concerns regarding potential financial implications, it is proposed that these Chiefs would receive only sitting fees during the sessions, eliminating the need for additional salaries,” it said.
The organization suggested that to ensure the stability and effective functioning of the KHADC and JHADC, the Chairmanship of these Councils be rotated among the Chiefs (Syiem, Lyngdoh, Sirdar or Wahadar) of Hima/Elaka in KHADC and Dolloi in JHADC. This will provide continuity and expertise in managing these constitutional institutions.
The HITO called for the constitutional recognition of traditional tribal institutions like Syiem, Lyngdoh, Sirdar, Wahadar, Dolloi, and Dorbar Shnong.
The organization recommended reducing the tenure of ADC members from five years to four years.
The organization proposed mandatory sessions for ADCs for 20 days every month to expedite the legislative process.
To enhance democratic accountability, it is proposed to implement either recall provisions or run-off elections. “Recall provisions would empower 25% of the eligible constituency electorate to initiate a recall petition, leading to a fresh election. Alternatively, run-off elections would require a candidate to secure 60% of the votes to win,” it said.
It also called for the fair delimitation of MDC constituencies to ensure equitable representation.
The HITO has expressed deep concern over the ineffectiveness of the ADCs and their failure to address the needs of the indigenous communities.
ALSO READ: Construction of Shillong Ropeway Project set to begin in November
The organization hopes that the Central Government will take immediate action to implement the proposed reforms and ensure the well-being of the Khasi and Jaintia people.
