By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 13: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Clan Administration) Bill 2022 will be pushed for passage by the KHADC executive committee (EC) during the upcoming winter session of the council, which is scheduled for December 20–22.
KHADC CEM Pyniaid Sing Syiem told reporters following the EC meeting on Wednesday that a special committee has been formed by the EC to address all of the flaws in the clan bill.
It should be noted that on Wednesday, representatives from the departments of Law and District Council Affairs (DCA) met with the special committee led by Deputy CEM PN Syiem to discuss the clan bill.
According to Syiem, more meetings will be required to address the issues with the clan bill. “We’ll work hard to finish the exercise. Indeed, we intend to reintroduce the bill during the next session,” stated the Deputy CEM.
In the meantime, the KHADC CEM stated that if the council passes the clan bill and it receives the governor’s approval, the different Seng Kur of the different clans will be pleased.
“We will have the ability to reconcile the disparities that exist among the Khasi clans,” Syiem declared.
In response to a question, he stated that the role of Rangbah Kur with regard to Tang Jait of children born to a Khasi father and a non-Khasi mother has been explicitly outlined in the bill.
Furthermore, the KHADC CEM clarified that if one’s parents are not Khasi, one cannot simply adopt the Khasi surname.
“We are aware that many individuals are abusing the Khasi surname to their advantage. We won’t permit such incidents to occur,” he declared.
Additionally, he brought up the fact that those who use their father’s surname are not recognised by the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1997.
“Because we live in a matrilineal society, we are unable to adopt the father’s surname. The council is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the ancient matrilineal tradition of the Khasi tribe, where children adopt their mother’s surname,” he said.
In order to make sure that the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1997 is in line with the Clan Bill once it is passed and receives the governor’s approval, he further said that they plan to amend it.
In the meantime, Syiem reported that for the next winter session, the opposition has put up a total of nine motions, one resolution, and 21 questions.
