SHILLONG: Mait Shaphrang Movement (MSM) convener Michael Syiem on Thursday reiterated his strong disappointment over the failure of the State Government to notify the Compulsory Registration of Marriage Rules.
“The delay in notification of the rules will further aggravate the problem of broken families. It is really sad that the Government is maintaining an indifferent attitude towards this burning problem affecting our society,” Syiem said, while threatening to call for indefinite hunger strike within 48 hours if the government did not act on the issue.
The Meghalaya Compulsory Registration of Marriage Bill was passed by the Assembly in September 2012 and became an Act with the Governor’s assent on September 12, 2012. However till date, the Act has not been implemented in letter and spirit in the absence of mandatory rules.
Last month, the State Government had assured that the Compulsory Registration of Marriage Rules would be finalized and notified soon, after the MSM threatened an indefinite hunger strike.
Meanwhile, Syiem also urged the Church to play a greater role in making marriages stronger.
“Role of the Church is important especially in the rural areas where the teachings of the religious leaders carry weight,” he said.
Syiem also felt that the Equitable Distribution of Ancestral & Self Acquired Property Act should be passed so that men can also be empowered in the matrilineal set up.
Syiem also sought clarification from the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly (KJPA) on whether their recent statement that the Marriage Act was replete with loopholes was the view of the Assembly or the personal view of Senior Administrative Secretary of KJPA Rev. N.S. Phawa.
“Why they (KJPA) did not come forward when the Law Department had sought for opinions and suggestions when the Bill was as its drafting stage, but are criticizing the Bill now?” Syiem asked.
According to Syiem the need of the hour was to immediately implement the Act and later go for amendments to plug any loopholes in the Act.