Campaign against delay of Marriage Act

SHILLONG, JAN 19: The Maitshaphrang Movement on Tuesday lambasted the Congress led state government for its failure to implement the marriage act, despite having 3 women cabinet ministers even as it announced a year-long campaign and protests against the delay.

The decision was taken after the campaign for implementation of the Meghalaya Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act, which first started on September 9, 1986, will enter its 30 year journey.

“We wonder how many more years our law makers may need to comprehend or understand the importance and urgency of implementing this act,” Maitshaphrang convener Michael Syiem told reporters.

He said, “Due to this unacceptable delay, we have decided to organize campaigns and protests during the whole year against the failure of the state government.”

According to him, a one-day hunger strike will be staged by the movement on the first day of the upcoming session of the State Legislative Assembly, as and when the date for its commencement is announced.

Terming the delay as sad and unfortunate despite the state cabinet having three women cabinet ministers, Syiem said, “None of them (women ministers) are taking this act seriously or to protect the rights of women, who are affected due to divorce.”

He said, “By delaying the implementing of the marriage act, it only shows that the issue is never in the priority list of this present state government and law makers (legislators).”

Passed by the State Legislative Assembly in 2012, the Meghalaya Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act, aimed at empowering the tribal society, which is at present inflicted by problems of broken homes.

The Act envisages compulsory registration of all marriages between people belonging to any caste, tribe or religion contracted as per the customs, practices or traditions in the state.

“Despite repeated representations on various occasions, yet the state government has failed to frame the rules for implementation of the Act,” Syiem said while alleging the problem of broken families is on the rise in the state.-By Our Reporter