KHAD (Administration of Elaka) (Amendment) Act, 2023 gives recognition to Seng Kynthei, Seng Longkmie and Seng Samla
SHILLONG, Jan 19: In what can be described as a significant development in the 72-year history of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, the council has come up with a legislation defining the powers and functions of the local traditional bodies like the Dorbar Shnong, Executive Dorbar, Dorbar Dong, Rangbah Dong, Seng Kynthei and Seng Samla.
The KHADC organised the “Dorbar Iktiar Paidbah”, a gathering at Polo Ground on Saturday to honour the various traditional institutions and to celebrate the KHAD (Administration of Elaka) (Amendment) Act, 2023 receiving the Governor’s assent.
Talking to The Shillong Times on Sunday, former Deputy CEM PN Syiem said the objective of the gathering was to highlight the provisions in the Amendment Act which defines the roles and functions of the various traditional institutions.
Syiem said the Seng Kynthei/Longkmie and Seng Samla were not recognised by any law before the passage of the Amendment Act.
He said the Amendment Act formally acknowledges the Rangbah Dong under various Dorbars.
As per the Amendment Act, there shall be a Seng Longkmie or Seng Kynthei under every Dorbar to promote the welfare of women and young girls of the village, take initiatives and organise awareness programmes on protection of women’s rights, and other activities related to education.
The Seng Samla Shnong will be responsible for organising welfare programme for the youth of the village like awareness on educational innovations, sports and other activities. The Seng Samla will assist the Dorbar Shnong and the state government in tackling crimes and other anti-social activities in their village.
The Amendment Act defines that the Executive Committee of the Dorbar Shnong shall perform such function and duties as assigned or entrusted by the Dorbar Shnong and it shall see that the prevailing customary practices are followed. It will be responsible for carrying out the day-to-day affairs on behalf of the Dorbar Shnong and it shall be accountable to the Dorbar Shnong.
As per the Act, the Dorbar Dong headed by the Rangbah Dong shall assist the Dorbar Shnong in matters pertaining to the administration of the Dong or it can function on any matters related to the welfare of the Dong and or any matters that may be entrusted upon by the Dorbar Shnong.
The Rangbah Dong and his Executive Members shall not decide on any matter concerning the Dong without the consent or approval of the Dorbar Shnong.
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (Amendment) Act, 2023, which has also got the Governor’s assent, paves the way for stricter regulations and establishment of a dedicated tribunal to adjudicate disputes when it comes to clan administration.
The Amendment Act also makes it mandatory for all the Dorbar Kur (clan councils) and Seng Kur (lineage groups) to register with the KHADC.
This move aims to bring greater transparency and accountability in the clan system, ensuring its adherence to customary practices.
Not only this, the Amendment Act has given official recognition to the “Ring Bia” or “Shaw Bhoi” custom, prevalent among certain clans in Ri-Bhoi.
This custom allows a Khasi man, under specific conditions, to marry a non-Khasi woman and integrate their offspring into the clan, safeguarding lineage continuity.
Streamlining further the clan administration, there is provision in the Amendment Act for establishment of a dedicated Khasi Clan Administration Tribunal, empowered to settle disputes concerning the clan system.