Amendments needed for MoS – Mahendra P Lama

Darjeeling: An interactive programme was organised with Dr. Mahendra P Lama to discuss about the issue of Sixth Schedule. People of Darjeeling actively participated in the programme here at Gymkhana club. The programme was organised by Hill Employees Association in the name of “Nagarik Suraksha Samiti”.

Dr. Mahendra P Lama explained that Sixth Schedule contains full of powers like Legislative, Judicial, Executive, Financial etc. The Sixth Schedule as mini constitution within the main constitution and state within state. Which is derived from Article 244,2 and Article 275Y of Indian constitution. Sixth Schedule was introduced primarily for North East states. Sixth Schedule is very good alternative arrangement until statehood.

But important factor that decides the power of Sixth Schedule is, how it has been agreed upon between state and Council. In India, there are 10 Autonomous Council under Sixth Schedule. All Autonomous Council differs its power and jurisdiction from one another.

He also stressed that Sixth Schedule is for entire people within Council and there is no question of insecurity of General Caste within Sixth Schedule. The issue of General caste within Sixth Schedule is an issue without issue.

He confirmed that Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) singed between DGHC, West Bengal Government and Central Government is based on Article 244, which is genuine Sixth Schedule. But there have been huge mistakes, loopholes in the MoS signed on 5 Dec. 2005. The Bengal has given this Sixth Schedule with open eyes and we have accepted with eyes closed. This Sixth Schedule can not fulfill the aspiration of hill people.

Amendments of this MoS is very important, which every citizen of Darjeeling hills should protest, create a pressure to concerned political parties, as it has not been implemented so far. In democracy, public pressure will only be taken into account, said Dr. Lama during his 2 hours long speech on Sixth Schedule.