Panchayati Raj and Local Governance – Meghalaya PCS Free Notes

Meghalaya, located in the northeastern region of India, has a distinct governance structure that deviates from the Panchayati Raj system followed in most parts of the country. Owing to its unique socio-cultural fabric and traditional tribal institutions, the state operates under a system of autonomous councils and traditional governance mechanisms, protected by the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
This article explores the history, structure, and functioning of local governance in Meghalaya, highlighting its interplay with modern governance systems and the challenges it faces.

Historical Context of Local Governance in Meghalaya

Pre-Independence Period: The Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills, the three predominant tribal areas of Meghalaya, have long practiced self-governance through traditional institutions such as Dorbars (village councils) and Nokmas (Garo tribal chieftains). These institutions managed community resources, resolved disputes, and maintained law and order.

Post-Independence Period: After Indias independence, these traditional systems were formalized under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to preserve the socio-cultural identity of the tribal population. Meghalaya became a full-fledged state in 1972, retaining these systems as the cornerstone of its local governance.

Panchayati Raj and the Sixth Schedule

Unlike other Indian states where the Panchayati Raj system operates under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, Meghalaya's local governance is governed by the Sixth Schedule. This distinction arises due to:

Tribal Autonomy: The Sixth Schedule provides autonomy to tribal areas through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).

Protection of Traditions: The Schedule ensures the preservation of traditional practices, land rights, and community ownership of resources.

Structure of Local Governance in Meghalaya

1. Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)

Meghalaya has three ADCs:

Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC)

Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC)

Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC)

These councils are empowered to:

Legislate on customary laws and practices.

Administer land, forests, and resources.

Regulate marriage, inheritance, and social customs.

Oversee traditional village councils.

2. Traditional Institutions

Dorbar Shnong (Village Dorbar): A grassroots-level governance body in Khasi and Jaintia Hills led by the Rangbah Shnong (village headman). It plays a pivotal role in dispute resolution, welfare activities, and maintaining communal harmony.

Nokmas and Akhing Lands: In the Garo Hills, the Nokma is the traditional custodian of the clan land (Akhing). They manage resources, resolve conflicts, and represent the clan in the ADCs.

3. State Government and Local Bodies

While ADCs and traditional institutions dominate governance in rural areas, urban local governance is administered by municipal boards under state legislation.

Key Features of Local Governance in Meghalaya

Customary Laws: Governance relies heavily on customary laws, which vary across the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities.

Decentralization: Power is distributed among ADCs, traditional bodies, and state government institutions.

Community Participation: Decision-making processes involve significant community participation, particularly in Dorbars and Nokma councils.

Resource Management: Local governance includes control over natural resources, such as forests and minerals, managed collectively by the community.

Challenges in Local Governance

1. Conflict Between Traditional and Modern Systems

The coexistence of traditional institutions and state governance often leads to jurisdictional overlaps and conflicts, particularly in matters of resource allocation and law enforcement.

2. Administrative and Financial Constraints

ADCs and traditional councils often lack adequate financial resources and administrative capacity, affecting their efficiency.

Dependence on state and central funding limits their autonomy.

3. Legal Ambiguities

Customary laws, though robust, are not codified, leading to inconsistencies in their interpretation and application.

4. Exclusion of Women

Despite their active role in community life, women are largely excluded from traditional governance structures like Dorbars and Nokma councils.

5. Resource Exploitation

Unregulated mining and deforestation, often tied to traditional land rights, pose significant challenges to sustainable development.

Government Initiatives and Reforms

Strengthening ADCs: Efforts have been made to enhance the administrative capacity and financial independence of ADCs.

Codification of Customary Laws: Attempts to codify traditional laws aim to reduce ambiguities and integrate them with state legislation.

Empowering Women: Advocacy for womens participation in traditional governance bodies is gaining momentum.

Infrastructure Development: The central and state governments have invested in improving infrastructure in rural areas under schemes like PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana).

Case Studies of Local Governance in Meghalaya

1. Role of Dorbar Shnong During COVID-19

During the pandemic, Dorbars played a crucial role in managing community-level quarantine centers, ensuring food distribution, and enforcing health guidelines, showcasing the effectiveness of grassroots governance.

2. Conflict Over Mining in Garo Hills

The exploitation of coal mines, governed by traditional land ownership, led to environmental degradation and legal disputes, highlighting the need for regulated resource management.

Comparative Analysis: Meghalaya vs. Panchayati Raj States

Recommendations for Strengthening Local Governance

Policy Harmonization: Integrate traditional governance with modern legal frameworks to reduce conflicts.

Capacity Building: Train ADC members and traditional leaders in governance and financial management.

Codification and Documentation: Document customary laws to ensure consistency and transparency.

Inclusivity: Promote womens participation in traditional and modern governance systems.

Sustainability: Implement stricter environmental regulations to address resource exploitation issues.

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