SHILLONG: Deputy Chief Minister and District Council Affairs (DCA) Minister Prestone Tynsong has urged people not to jump to conclusions over the upcoming special session of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), saying the House must be allowed to deliberate and take its decision.
Reacting to questions over the special session of the GHADC scheduled for March 23 and 24, Tynsong made it clear that he would not pre-empt the legislative process or comment beyond the officially notified agenda.
“You have received the notification, you read out the agenda—why should I explain? The agenda is very clear,” he told reporters.
The two-day special session, convened by the Governor, is expected to focus on two key matters — the amendment of the AD Rules and the Vote on Account Budget.
Refusing to go into the specifics of the proposed amendments, including those concerning Rule 128, Tynsong said it would be inappropriate to comment before the matter is discussed and decided by the House.
“AD Rules do not mean only 128. We have 8, 7, 6… so don’t come to a conclusion,” he said, while stressing that the decision rests with the Council. “We have to respect the decision of the House. How can I explain to you right now? We need to wait until the House adopts or passes the proposed amendment.”
The Deputy Chief Minister also underscored that the District Council has its own authority and legislative powers, and maintained that the DCA department would not interfere in its functioning.
“Why should I encroach on the authority of the District Council?” he asked.
On whether broader consultations should have taken place before the session, Tynsong said that was entirely within the Council’s domain. “It is their duty, it is their prerogative to do it,” he added.
With the Governor having convened the special session, attention is now on the GHADC House, where the proposed amendments and budget matters are set to come up for discussion next week.
