By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 24: The KHADC on Thursday urged the various Khasi clans (Seng Kur) to register themselves in order to be recognised by the council. This comes after the Governor gave his assent to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Amendment Act, 2023. The Act has a new clause of clan administration to recognise the various Khasi clans.
KHADC CEM, Pyniaid Sing Syiem told reporters that the different clans have to form a committee and forward the names of the office-bearers of the Seng Kur in their official letterhead to be recognised by the council.
He also informed that as per official records there are more than 3,000 clans within the jurisdiction of the council.
“We are waiting for the report of the research work to know exactly how many clans are there under the council’s jurisdiction,” the CEM said.
KHADC Deputy CEM, PN Syiem said there are provisions under the Amendment Act for recognition of the Rangbah Kur to keep a check on self-styled Rangbah Kur.
According to him, many non-Khasis are using Khasi surnames and the Rangbah Kur who is duly elected by the Dorbar Kur will be authorised to issue the clan certificate.
He further mentioned that the clan certificate and the Khasi Tribe Certificate issued by the KHADC would be necessary in order to apply for the ST certificate from the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
He said there have been instances where the council issued the tribe certificate on the basis of the clan certificate issued by some self-styled Rangbah Kur.
Under the Amendment Act, every Khasi clan shall have a Dorbar Kur or Seng Kur consisting of all members of the Kur or clan. The Dorbar Kur or Seng Kur shall consist of the Dorbar Pyllun of all members of that Kur or clan and the central executive body made up of office-bearers and members duly elected by the Dorbar Kur or Seng Kur.
The Dorbar Kur or Seng Kur shall be the final authority to decide on any issue or matter relating to the Kur administration.
Further, the Dorbar Kur or Seng Kur shall have the authority to delegate the power to issue the Khasi clan certificate. The Khasi clan certificate shall be the criteria for granting Khasi Tribe Certificate as per Section 6 of KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1997.
The Dorbar Kur or Seng Kur shall decide the eligibility for appointment of Rangbah Kur and other functionaries.