GREATEST DEGREE OF SELF-GOVERNANCE II
In case of Arunachal Pradesh, the Commission calls for integration of traditional governing systems such as the Kebang in the local governing systems. Kebang is a traditional gathering of villagers which meets to sort out problems such as adultery, theft, etc. "It is proposed that members of the Kebang be associated with the gaon panchayats and encouraged to contest elections" notes the Commission. Another suggestion pertains to women representation where it was suggested that not less than four women may be nominated to each unit of each tier (by the Panchayat chairperson) and the size of the Panchayat be increase accordingly.
The problems of Bru (Reangs), Paites and Hmars are some of the issues taken up by the Commission in regards to the State of Mizoram. The Consultation paper says "The Mizo situation is extremely complex for it brings into sharp focus the difficulties of governance in the region which has multiple micro-minorities and a 'national' minority (i.e. the Mizos) as the State majority". The Commission felt the dire need to take up cases relating to the demands from groups such as the Paites in western Mizoram, the Hmars (who already have a Hill Development Council) and the Brus (Reangs) for autonomous District Councils when it says "Otherwise, there is every possibility of radicalisation growing, especially among the youth".
The Paper made special mention of the plight of Bru (Reangs) people, many of the whom were evicted and have taken refuge in neighbouring Tripura by what the Commission termed as "a campaign against them." "The Bru have demanded a separate autonomous council which is opposed by the State Government" maintains the Commission.
Coming to the State of Meghalaya, the Consultation paper says "It is suggested that provisions for decentralisation in any form should always take into account the need for democratisation and gender justice. In Meghayala, five members of each of the three Autonomous District Councils should also be elected from the First Tier. This should include the traditional chiefs/rajas (Syiems)".
On the functioning of the District Councils, the Commission felt the lacunae in their lack of financial powers and their subsequent dependence on State Governments. Offering suggestions to overcome the problem, the Consultation paper suggests "This dependance can be reduced with the appointment of a State Finance Commission which can authorise the division of the funds necessary for the smooth functioning of the Councils".
The Consultation paper also touch upon the extremely sensitive issue of possibility of a political role for women in the District Councils and traditional institutions. While reservations of one-third of all seats for women, as in the panchayats and nagar palikas may not be acceptable because of the difficult political and social question of matrilineal system of inheritance and controls on society in Meghalaya, the Commission advocates the local governing systems to accept the basis of gender representation. "The State Governor should be empowered to nominate women to not less than three seats in each District Council", notes the paper.
The Commission extensively deals on the Naga issue and Nagaland. While making a passing reference to the creation of the State of Nagaland in 1963, the most interesting part of suggestion relates to the current context of Naga society. The Consultation paper says "There should be careful consideration of a non-territorial approach to the overall Naga issue, particularly
in the light of the tragic incidents in Manipur and opposition in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to the extension of the ceasefire area between the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M) to parts of the NER, outside Nagaland".
Read Part I | Read Part III
By Gin Gangte
|