Shillong, July 1: The Khasi Students Union has opposed introduction of the Meghalaya Community Participation Bill, 2011 aimed at improving municipal administration in urban areas.

The students union yesterday wrote to the state government arguing that the bill would erode the powers of the three autonomous district councils which were created for protection of social customs and rights under provisions of the Sixth Schedule and uplift of tribal identities.

The bill, according to the KSU, will destroy the system of traditional governance/administration as practiced since time immemorial by the traditional institutions.

The KSU instead called upon the government to either rescind or keep in abeyance the passing of the bill.

Preparing to hold the first ever civic polls in the state, Meghalaya government has notified the elections to the Baghmara Municipal Board in South Garo Hills district. The election is slated for August 6 and the counting on August 9.

The Gauhati High Court had directed the state government to hold the municipal elections in the state before September.

The state government had earlier made two attempts to hold the first-ever civic polls in the state in the four municipalities of Garo hills, but had to abandon its plans in the wake of large-scale protests.

The protesting organizations contended that the municipal elections would lead to dilution of the powers of local traditional bodies.

Ever since statehood in 1972, Meghalaya has never conducted civic polls and nominated administrator of the State Government governs the Municipality Boards.

PTI