Kamalanagar, 9th March, 2024: The first sitting of the Budget Session, 2024-2025, of the 11th Chakma Autonomous District Council, which was held today saw the successful passage of two Bills: The Chakma Autonomous District Council (Constitution, Conduct of Business, etc.) (Seventh Amendment) Rules, 2024, and The Chakma Autonomous District Council (Management and Control of Cremation and Burial Grounds) Bill, 2024.
The first Bill, presented by the house leader and Chief Executive Member, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, proposed several amendments to the CADC (CCB etc.) Rules, 2002, for effective functioning of the CADC. One of the notable provisions was the introduction of a new Chakma version of Oath of Affirmation to be made by members as well as Oath of Secrecy for Executive Members of CADC.
The second Bill, The Chakma Autonomous District Council (Management and Control of Cremation and Burial Grounds) Bill, 2024, was introduced by the house leader on behalf of Dg. Lakkhan Chakma, Executive Member, i/c LAD, CADC. The Bill seeks to regulate the cremation and burial of dead bodies and ensure proper management and control of common cremation sites in each village. Introducing the Bill, the house leader highlighted the age-old traditional practice among Chakmas of having common cremation grounds in villages, and how the increasing practice of cremation and burial of dead bodies on private lands near residential areas, is adversely affecting public health and hygiene. He said enactment of a regulation to curb this unhealthy practice was the βneed of the hourβ, and sought the support of the house members for its passage.
Both the Bills were thoroughly discussed in the house, with members from the opposition bench β Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchanggya, and Dg. Doymoy Daveng Chakma β offering their suggestions regarding certain provisions for enhancing the effectiveness of the proposed legislations. The bills garnered majority support from members of the house and were passed.
The sitting was adjourned with the successful passage of the Bills, with the next sitting scheduled for 10th April, 2024 (Wednesday).