The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Thursday approved a government resolution for taking over the administration of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) by the Governor with effect from October 19, for a period of six months or till the constitution of the new council through election.
Tabling the resolution on the first day of the five-day Autumn session on Thursday, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said, “Now, therefore, this House hereby approves the order made vide notification…dt October 16, by the Governor under sub paragraph (2) Paragraph 16 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.”
The present term of the GHADC had ended on October 18.
He said in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the general elections to re-constitute the GHADC as scheduled, that is before October 19 could not be conducted and has to be postponed to a date to be decided later.
The minister said the Governor is therefore, satisfied that a situation has arisen where administration of the GHADC could not be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
“Accordingly, the Governor in exercise of the powers conferred by sub paragraph (2) of paragraph 16 of the Sixth Schedule has assumed to himself all the functions and powers vested in or exercisable by the GHADC for a period of six months with effect from October 19, or till the constitution of the new council through election whichever is earlier,” Rymbui said.
NNN