SHILLONG : Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh has defended the decision of Speaker Strong Pillar Kharjana to disallow an amendment proposed by the opposition during the recent council session on the KHADC Service Rules.
The issue triggered a heated confrontation in the council between Sohra MDC and Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne and the Speaker, eventually leading opposition MDCs to stage a walkout from the House.
Speaking to reporters on June 23, Lyngdoh clarified that the amendment was not allowed because the opposition leader had sought the deletion of the entire provision rather than proposing specific amendments clause by clause.
According to the CEM, a detailed discussion could have taken place had the opposition suggested amendments to individual clauses of the proposed rules.
“If the Leader of Opposition had brought amendments clause by clause for discussion, it would have been appropriate. Instead, he sought the deletion of the entire proposal,” Lyngdoh said.
He further alleged that such a move reflected arrogance and a lack of respect for the work put in by the Executive Committee.
The controversy revolves around proposed changes to the KHADC Service Rules, which deal with recruitment and appointment procedures within the District Council. The matter sparked intense debate during the council session, with opposition members objecting to the proposed provisions and the Speaker’s ruling.
The opposition MDCs later walked out of the House in protest after being denied permission to move their amendment.