SHILLONG, Sep 8: The expert committee constituted by the state government will soon deliberate on the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The committee comprises officials from District Council Affairs (DCA) department, Law department and representatives from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
“The amendment bill is being studied by the DCA and the Law departments. It will be deliberated in the expert committee soon,” KHADC Deputy Chief Executive Member PN Syiem said on Sunday.
The KHADC had passed the amendment bill during a special session in December last year after deciding to shelve the KHAD (Social Custom of Clan Administration) Bill.
Opposition United Democratic Party had agreed to the passing of the Lineage (Amendment) Bill since it includes the practice of Shaw-Bhoi in Ri Bhoi district.
According to the bill, no Khasi person belonging to any Kur shall take or acquire his or her clan title from the father or the spouse. However, this provision shall not apply to cases of Shaw-Bhoi or Ring-Bia.
Leader of Opposition in KHADC Titosstarwell Chyne had stated that the Lineage (Amendment) Bill is a copy-paste of the clan bill.
Meanwhile, the Deputy CEM said 10 to 15 pending bills are lying with the DCA department.
“We are thankful to the DCA department as after the formation of the expert committee, bills with flaws or defects are immediately sent back to the council,” he said.
He added that many pending bills got the Governor’s approval after the formation of the expert committee.
