Implementation of Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act
SHILLONG: The Maitshaphrang Movement has decided to leave no stone unturned to ensure that its 30-year-old demand for implementation of Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act is fulfilled by the Government this year.
Addressing a press conference in this regard here on Tuesday, MSM convener, Michael Syiem said that the organization has planned a series of agitation and campaigns this year to press the Government to implement the Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act.
He informed that a one-day hunger strike will be staged during the first session of the Assembly to mark the series of protests and campaigns to sensitize people about the Act.
“Although they talk of women’s empowerment, the three female ministers in the Cabinet have not taken any step to implement the Act which is sad and unfortunate,” Syiem said.
Campaigning for the implementation of the Act since 1986, Syiem recollected that the Act was passed in the State Assembly in 2012 without any debate.
The Act includes compulsory registration of all marriages between people belonging to any caste, tribe or religion contracted as per the customs, practices or traditions. It would also include registration of re-marriages and live-in relationships.
According to Syiem, with the changing scenario, some of the customary practices have been modified to suit the times.
He added that he has sent many reminders to the Government to implement the Act but in vain.
It may be reminded that in 2005, the Supreme Court passed an order directing all the states to make laws on the compulsory registration of marriage.
He also brought up the issue of the Meghalaya Succession to Self Acquired Property (Khasi and Jaintia Special Provision) Act, 1984 allowing the male members of the Khasi family to inherit the property of the parents.
“The Government has to make the Act effective enabling the children, male or female for an equitable distribution of property,” Syiem said.
He also added that the indifference on the part of the Government revealed a bad reflection of the MLAs who need to be reminded of their duties.
“It is their duty to create awareness among the people,” he said.
Syiem said that initially the organization faced criticism for advocating the implementation of the Act. “But things have changed of late,” he claimed.
The legislators, he pointed out were silent on the Property Act since it did not have people’s backing.
“The MLAs should sensitize people on important issues,” he said.