Meghalaya Cabinet today extended the term of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) for another six months anticipating that the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution will soon get the Centre's nod.
With this decision today, the GHADC will hold its election with the increased number of seats, which is as per the agreed text settlement signed with the two Garo rebel outfits on September 24, last year.
"We have approved the proposal for further extension of the term of the GHADC for another six months," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.
He, however, said, "the decision was taken following the communication received from the Government of India, informing that they are in a position and ready to take all measures to introduce the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule in the forthcoming budget session of the Parliament."
"Therefore, we feel that it is better to allow them (Centre) to complete the whole process," Sangma said, adding "It is a win-win situation for all of us since it is part of the objective already incorporated in the text agreed settlement signed with ANVC and ANVC-B."
While the term of the GHADC is due to expire on February 17, the CM said that the extended term will be effective immediately from February 18, this year.
Pointing out that this will enable the government to fulfil the objective of the text agreed settlement; Sangma said that the elections to the district council in Garo Hills will be held with the delimited constituencies.
Sangma further reiterated that it will only be prudent to allow the whole amendment process for consideration of the parliament, adding once it is being considered then the delimitation for the increase seats will follow.
As per the peace pact signed between the two militant outfits and the Centre and the state, it was agreed that its provision to increase the number of seats will also be extended to the two others Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) - KHADC and JHADC, of which their election was already held a year ago.
The state government had disbanded the two Garo rebel outfits - Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) and its faction group, the ANVC-B in December last year.
The disbandment process of the outfits came three months after signing of the Agreed Text Settlement in New Delhi.
