Shillong, June 18: On the second day of the Summer Session of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), MDC from Laban-Mawprem Constituency, Bah Ricky Shullai, moved an important motion calling for clearer and stronger jurisdictional authority for the Council over areas falling under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Introducing the motion in the House, Shullai stated that the Sixth Schedule remains one of the most significant constitutional safeguards for indigenous tribal communities in the North East. He said the provision was designed to empower Autonomous District Councils with self-governance powers to protect the rights, customs, traditions, land, and resources of indigenous communities.
He highlighted that since its inception, the KHADC has played a crucial role in safeguarding Khasi customary institutions, traditional laws, community lands, natural resources, and local governance systems. However, he noted that over the years, several disputes have emerged between the Council and various departments of the State Government regarding jurisdiction over key subjects.
According to Shullai, such conflicts are particularly evident in areas related to land administration, land-use regulation, development activities, local governance, and the protection of community-owned resources. He observed that ambiguity over jurisdiction often creates hurdles in effective implementation of laws and weakens efforts to safeguard indigenous interests.
The MDC stressed that the Council must exercise clear and effective authority over all matters entrusted to it under the Sixth Schedule. He cautioned that any dilution or uncertainty in these constitutional powers could undermine the long-term protection of indigenous land, resources, and traditional institutions.
Describing the Sixth Schedule as more than a legal framework, Shullai said it functions as a constitutional safeguard for the identity, culture, customs, and way of life of the Khasi people. He asserted that the Council must remain committed to defending and strengthening the powers granted under the Constitution.
Concluding his address, Shullai urged the Executive Committee and members from both the ruling and opposition benches to work collectively towards identifying measures to strengthen the Council’s jurisdiction. He maintained that only through unity and a firm commitment to constitutional provisions can the interests of the Khasi people and their traditional institutions be effectively protected.
Following the introduction of the motion, members from both sides of the House participated in an extensive discussion on the Council’s jurisdictional powers and the need to reinforce the constitutional authority vested under the Sixth Schedule.
