SHILLONG: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) chief HS Shylla said on Monday the customary practice of Shaw Bhoi has been defined in the KHAD Khasi Social Custom of Lineage (Amendment) Bill.
Shaw Bhoi is a practice where a man takes a wife from a different community if there is less or no female member to carry forward the name of the clan.
Asserting that the concept of Duh Iing and Shaw Bhoi has been defined, Shylla said, “We have a proviso for the native Khasis of Ri Bhoi district who adopt such customary practice of Shaw Bhoi.”
On the lineage bill, the KHADC chief executive member said, “The focal point of the act is the definition of Khasi custom of marriage based 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 and a separate act concerning the matter of Rangbah Kur will be framed for which the Khasi Clan Bill will be tabled during the normal session.”
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.
A bill on Sub-Ordinate Council of Traditional Chief and Headmen Rules will also be tabled at the special session on October 25 and 26.
