By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Seeking a strong act to tackle the problem of broken marriages, the Maitshaphrang Movement (MSM) has urged the State Government to make registration of marriages mandatory.
The Shillong-based NGO has been pursuing the compulsory registration of marriage in the state for many years and it has wanted the state government to enact a separate law on marriage registration.
Besides the compulsory registration of marriage, Mait Shaphrang Movement has also been fighting for a law to ensure equitable distribution of self-acquired and ancestral wealth.
The Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) cabinet, under the leadership of chief minister Mukul Sangma, had approved the draft bill last year. In November, the government had sought views, suggestions and comments from groups and individuals for incorporating them into the bill.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, MSM convenor Michael Syiem said, “the Government should made it mandatory for married people to produce marriage certificate in any official works like applying for a job.
It is expected that the proposed marriage bill would be tabled in the next session of the State Assembly.
The MSM also asked the State Government to set up Family courts where post-divorce maintenance cases could be tried at a faster speed. He also stated that the equitable distribution of Self Acquired and Ancestral Property Act should be taken up simultaneously in the state.
“The Act is requires since Khasi and Garo men do not inherit any property and incase of a divorce he has to give maintenance so if he has some property he can give a bit of maintenance,” Syiem added.