SHILLONG, June 21: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council executive committee will re-introduce the much-anticipated Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (Khasi Social Custom of Clan Administration) Bill, 2020 in the council’s upcoming session beginning on July 6.
KHADC CEM Titosstarwell Chyne on Tuesday said the EC had constituted an advisory committee after the governor had returned the Bill to the council with a message in 2019. Following this, the Bill was referred to the committee constituted by the KHADC on April 7, 2020 to examine, fine-tune and incorporate the observations made by the governor.
The council had passed the Bill on November 23, 2018 during the tenure of former CEM, HS Shylla.
Chyne said the EC had circulated the Bill along with the recommendations of the advisory committee to all the MDCs seeking their views and opinions.
“But none of them has submitted any suggestions. This means they are happy with the recommendations of the committee,” he said.
The Bill seeks to penalise non-tribals using Khasi surnames and codify and regulate the system of Kur (clan) of the Khasi-Jaintia tribe.
It also provides for proper administration of clans in order to conserve and grow the traditional matrilineal system of the Khasi society for the protection of their interest and prevent claims of Khasi status by unscrupulous persons purely for benefits, concessions or privileges conferred on the Khasis for being STs.
The EC will also table the amendment to the Administration of Mylliem Syiemship Rule, 2022 in the session to authorise the Syiem of Mylliem to appoint acting Syiem Raid, acting Sordar and acting Rangbah Shnong within the jurisdiction of the Hima Mylliem.
Chyne said the EC has approved of the proposal of the Hima Mylliem to bring an amendment to Mylliem Syiemship Rule, 2022, adding that the same will be tabled in the session.
He said the KHADC (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnong of Mylliem Syiemship) Act, 2007 does not allow the Syiem of Mylliem to appoint acting Syiem Raid, acting Sordar and acting Rangbah Shnong if the need arises.
Chyne said the Syiem of Mylliem was compelled to appoint acting Rangbah Shnong in many localities or villages since the meeting of the Dorbar Shnong could not be convened during the pandemic.
“But this appointment made by the Syiem of Mylliem is illegal since the Act does not permit him to do so. But the Syiem of Mylliem will be empowered to make such appointments once the proposed amendment is approved by the House,” Chyne said.
He said the council will table four more Bills proposed by the Elaka department. They include Nongsohphoh Syiemship, Nongstoin Nongkhlaw Syiemship Bill, Mawiang Syiemship and amendment to the KHADC (Nomination and Election of the Syiem, Deputy Syiem and Electors of Nongstoin Syiemship) Act, 2003.
