The pursuit of Article 371 by the Voice of the People Party (VPP) has triggered an intense debate over its potency versus the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Representatives of various political parties discussed the matter together on Friday at a symposium on Article 371(A), Article 371(G), and the Sixth Schedule, organised by Sankardev College. There was no representative from the VPP. The speakers included advocates Erwin K Syiem Sutnga, Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait, Mewaker Lyngdoh, state Congress secretary Manuel Badwar and UDP vice president Robertjune Kharjahrin. Mewaker Lyngdoh represented BJP. They all shared their views and analyses, citing examples and making references.
They deliberated on the impact of these constitutional provisions on governance, autonomy and indigenous rights in Meghalaya, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections in Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council. Nonglait highlighted that provisions under Article 371 can be modified or denied by the Assembly and stressed the need for MDCs to effectively use the Sixth Schedule while they legislate laws. Kharjahrin pointed out that Article 371 serves a preventive function, whereas Sixth Schedule is governing in nature.
