Also, the Meghalaya government has decided to solicit public opinion on a bill that envisages reforms on the municipal act, paving the way for holding of first ever civic polls in the state since it attainment of statehood.
The move has been initiated in a bid to avail the benefit of the ambitious Jawarhalal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Since the Supreme Court Notification in 2000, there have been at least two attempts to hold the civic body election in the State but on both the government could not go ahead due to opposition from certain quarters on the ground that such an attempt will dilute the credibility of the traditional institutions in the State.
There had been no Municipality election in the State since it attained statehood and nominated administrator of the State Government governs the Municipality Boards.
After the Supreme Court had directed the state government to hold the municipal elections following a petition filed by the Non Tribal Youth Union, the government in November 2000 issued notifications for holding elections.
Only one person, a Shillong-based businessman, Ananta Dey, filed nominations.However, he was shot dead by suspected militants.