SHILLONG: The Chief Executive Member (CEM) Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), HS Shylla said the customary practice of the Shaw Bhoi has been defined in the KHAD Khasi Social Custom of Lineage (Amendment) Bill.
Shaw Bhoi is where the male would take a wife from a different community if there is less or no female member at all to carry forward the name of the clan.
Asked on the custom of Shaw Bhoi, Shylla said the concept of Duh Iing and shaw Bhoi is defined.
“We have a provison which provides for the native Khasi indigenous in Ri-Bhoi District who adopt such customary practice of Shaw Bhoi,” he said.
Speaking about the Lineage Bill, he said, “The focal point of the Act is the definition of Khasi Custom of marriage base on the principle of Tip Kur tip kha (knowing one’s relatives from the mother and father’s side).”
“In 2015, the amendment of Khasi Social Lineage Act was proposed to insert the clause meant for Rangbah Kur (head of the clans). That has been rectified as the matter concerning Rangbah Kur as a separate Act will be framed for which the Khasi Clan Bill which will be tabled at the normal session,” he said.
Shylla added the Dorbar Kur will have to be consulted with regard to the Khasi Clan Bill and according to him, the clan organisations should be registered at the KHADC or respective Himas.
He informed that the EC had written to the Chairman of the KHADC to hold the special session on October 25 and 26.
A bill on Sub-Ordinate Council of Traditional Chief and Headmen, Rules will also be tabled at the special session.