By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 6: The Executive Committee of the KHADC on Thursday announced a scholarship programme for students and research scholars who will help the Council to carry out research on various aspects of Khasi community, especially on the rich culture and customary practices.
Talking to reporters, the Council Chief Executive Member (CEM), Pyniaid Sing Syiem, said that the Council can have an in-depth research on the functioning of the various Himas and Elakas under the Council since each of them might have their own unique practices whether it is the election of Syiem, Lyngdoh or Sordar, and other traditional heads like the Rangbah Shnong, who leads the administration of the Dorbar Shnong in the localities and villages.
He pointed out that a detailed research can be carried out on the administration of the Himas, Raids and even the Dorbar Shnong.
Syiem said that the Council is exploring if research can be done on a few of the Seng Kur, who nominates the Myntris to the Hima. “We have witnessed that there were instances where there is conflict among the members of the Kur, who are the legal heir to be nominated as the Myntri. We need to find a proper documentation to prevent such kind of conflict,” he said.
According to him, the research to be carried out by the research scholars and students will be on various aspects, which will be finalised by the Education department of the Council headed by Executive Member Carnes Sohshang.
“The modalities and criteria on the eligibility to avail this scholarship are still being worked out. We will share it once it is finalised,” the Council CEM said.
Replying to a query, he said that the Council can utilise the research works while formulating the various legislations of the Council.
Adding that the research work will also be kept in the library since this could be a treasure of information, the CEM will earmark a special fund for this purpose.
The matter will be deliberated over in the next meeting of the Executive Committee (EC).
“I have also managed to brief Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on this initiative of the Council … the CM appreciated the idea and even assured that certain amount of funds will be earmark by the state government towards this scholarship programme of the Council,” he added.
