Shillong, Jan 14: Chief executive member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Latiplang Kharkongor has said that it will be a big blessing if the entire state is brought under the Sixth Schedule.

“If the Sixth Schedule is applicable in the entire state, it will further strengthen the autonomous district councils (ADCs) in the state,” Kharkongor said while speaking to reporters here on Tuesday.

Asked, the CEM said that this view to bring the entire Meghalaya under the Sixth Schedule will also be included in the proposal to be submitted before the Parliamentary Standing Committee, during its visit to the state on January 18, to take the views and suggestions from all stakeholders on the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

Kharkongor also announced a meeting to discuss on the issue will also be convened with all the 29 members of the district council and different stakeholders at the premises of the KHADC on January 16.

He said the decision was taken after a meeting held with the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SNSBH), Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) and Meghalaya People’s Labour Union (MPLU) on Monday.

“The objective of the proposed meeting was to come up with a unanimous voice on the issue and to place the same before the parliamentary standing committee,” he said.

Kharkongor also reiterated the stand of the Council to demand increasing the number of seats to 37 of which 35 will be elected members and two will be nominated, one of whom will be reserved for women and to oppose against the proposal to include unrepresented tribes in the proposed amendment.

“A resolution on this was also passed by the House in November, last year,” he said.