KHADC to introduce Social Custom of Clan Administration Bill during summer session

After chairing the executive committee (EC) meeting on Tuesday, KHADC chief Titosstarwell Chyne said, “We have decided to introduce the bill in the upcoming summer session of the council for the interest of the indigenous community.”

He said a special committee was constituted on April 7, 2020 after the KHAD (Social Custom of Clan Administration) Bill, 2018 was returned by the Governor with a message in 2019.

The special committee headed by Bindo M Lanong on February 25, handed over the new Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Social Custom of Clan Administration) Bill, 2020 to the executive committee.

“Accordingly, the EC has circulated the bill to all the MDCs for their views and suggestions. Unfortunately, we have not received any views or suggestions from the MDCs which means that they have accepted the bill as it is,” Chyne said.

There are over 4,000 tribal clans in the Khasi Hills region.

The KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Clan Administration) Bill, 2018 was first introduced and passed in 2018 during the tenure of (L) Hispreaching Son Shylla as the KHADC chief executive member.

The 2018 Bill had clearly stated that a non-tribal claiming to be a Khasi tribal by taking a Khasi surname within the jurisdiction of the KHADC for economic and personal interests will face a jail term of three years with a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

“Whoever commits an offence under this Act and other provision of this Act shall on conviction by a first class magistrate be punishable with imprisonment for a term of 3 years or with fine which may extend from Rs 20,000 up to 1 lakh or with both for the first offence and above punishment shall be doubled for every subsequent offence. An offence under this Act is also cognizable and non-bailable,” it had stated.

The Bill seeks to empower the Dorbar of Seng Kurs (clan organizations) registered with the KHADC to issue Khasi Clan Certificate and stated that no Khasi Tribe Certificate will be issued without such Clan (Kur) Certificate.

Meanwhile, the EC has decided to organize a cleaning drive on June 24. All employees of the council will participate in the cleaning drive, Chyne said.

He said the EC has also taken cognizance of the complaints received about outsiders misusing the MDC hostel adding “we will address and resolve all issues including problems related to parking space, security and installation of CCTVs.”

By Our Reporter