By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 19: In a late decision, the KHADC executive committee (EC) has decided to table an amendment to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1997, instead of re-introducing the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Clan Administration) Bill, 2022, during the winter session which is schedule to start from Wednesday.
A source told The Shillong Times on Tuesday that the EC will insert the words “Dorbar Kur” which is related with lineage.
The EC has also decided to insert the customary practice of the “Shaw Bhoi” in the amendment bill. Shaw Bhoi is a practice where a Khasi male is permitted to take a wife from a different community if there are few or no female members at all to carry forward the clan’s name.
With the decision to table the amendment bill, the fate of the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Clan Administration) Bill, 2022, remains uncertain.
The source also revealed that the EC will table the Khasi Jaintia Autonomous District Fishery (Amendment) Bill, 2023, by amending the United Khasi Jaintia District Fishery Act, 1954.
The EC has decided to insert a clause in the amendment bill wherein it will become mandatory for organisers to take permission from the council for holding angling competitions.
The decision has been taken to generate revenue and also to regulate such competitions.
The two amendment bills have been included in the revised list of business which will be released before the session commences.
Meanwhile, the opposition UDP is all set to forge a strategy to corner the NPP-led executive committee on some burning issues.
Topping the UDP’s agenda are the clan bill, the illegal toll gates and the style and functioning of the present EC, delimitation of district council constituencies, the lingering interstate border issue and others through motions, resolutions and even in the form of questions.