Shillong May 15: A delegation of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) led by Chairperson, Nand Kumar Sai, met Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma in the main Secretariat on Wednesday and discussed issues related to welfare of Scheduled Tribes in the state.

Sai told reporters that the Commission would not support outsiders grabbing the rights of Scheduled Tribes and indigenous people, while responding to a query on the proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill proposed to be implemented by the NDA government.

He stressed the need to protect the indigenous tribal heritage of Meghalaya, while assuring the Commission’s support to the state in its endeavor.

“Granting citizenship to outsiders will harm the indigenous tribal population of the region. The Commission will not support outsiders grabbing the rights of indigenous people,” Sai said.

On lack of employment for Scheduled Tribes in Central government offices, the NCST Chairperson said that a centre should be opened for providing training to STs to help them get opportunity in Central government offices, adding that be it, written examination or viva, it should be held here for the interest of locals to get jobs in Central government offices.

The NCST also held a meeting with representatives of the three Autonomous District Councils in the state, and various issues were raised before the Commission.

Members of the District Councils told the Commission about problems related to passing of laws and the delay in getting approval of the Governor, snatching of authority to issue Scheduled Tribe certificate by the District Council, lack of funding for the councils, besides the need to include languages of the Scheduled Tribes including Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.