Discussions needed on lineage bill

SHILLONG: Convener of Maitshaphrang, Michael Syiem maintained that the amendment Bill, the Khasi Lineage Bill of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) needs discussions and gave some suggestions to the Bill.
Addressing reporters on Thursday, Syiem said the males in Khasi society should shoulder responsibilities through the Meghalaya Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act and to strengthen him financially is by giving him a share in the property through the Equitable Distribution of Self Acquired and Ancestral Property Act. According to him, it is very easy for a male tribal to walk out of a marriage without giving any maintenance as marriage in Khasi society is lenient.
He observed that mix marriage is prevalent worldwide but it is more prominent in the local Khasi community.
“Some of the people in the Khasi community felt that it is better to go for a non-Khasi due to abandonment of women by Khasi men, premature death due to alcoholism leaving young widows on their own,” he added.
It may be mentioned that the bill was sent to former Governor Ganga Prasad for assent but he returned it to the government to examine it. But the goverment on the other hand returned the two amendment bills to the KHADC.
The council also wrote to the government to recall the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (First and Second Amendment) Bills for making rectifications.