SHILLONG: The ten autonomous councils (ACs) and territorial councils (TCs) of the Northeastern states have unanimously decided to urge the Centre government to table the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Amendment) Bill, 2019, in the monsoon session of Parliament that begins on Monday.
The Bill proposes to amend the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The decision was taken during the meeting of the ten ADCs and TCs in New Delhi on Saturday. The Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance Chairman Pradyot Manikya Deb Barma chaired the meeting.
The ten autonomous councils and territorial councils comprise the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Bodo Territorial Council, Tripura Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, three ADCs of Mizoram namely Lai Autonomous District Council, Chakma Autonomous District Council and Mara Autonomous District Council.
The autonomous councils and territorial councils were represented by their respective CEMs, EMs, and officials.
KHADC Chief Executive Member Pyniaid Sing Syiem told media that the BJP, in its election manifesto, had promised that the government would table the amendment bill within 100 days of returning to power.
He said the proposed amendment is aimed at providing stronger provisions for the protection and preservation of the rich culture and tradition of the tribes in the northeastern states.
The second round of meetings of the ADCs will be held in New Delhi on Monday to discuss other pertinent issues and problems that need to be addressed by the Centre.
