Guwahati: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Meghalaya is awaiting the Governor’s assent on a bill aimed at regulating traditional Khasi institutions.
The bill, titled the “KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (Amendment) Bill, 2023,” has been under consideration since December last year.
Opposition party UDP raised concerns about the delay during the recent Summer Session of the Council.
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They emphasized the importance of the bill for streamlining the registration process of Dorbar Kur or Seng Kur, which are traditional Khasi governing bodies.
The initial roadblock came in May 2024 when the District Council Affairs (DCA) department identified minor technical issues in the bill. The KHADC promptly addressed these concerns and resubmitted the amended bill.
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The bill now awaits the Governor’s approval.
If passed, it will make registration mandatory for Dorbar Kur or Seng Kur with the KHADC. Additionally, the “Ring Bia or Shaw Bhoi,” a lineage system within Khasi society, will also be incorporated under the bill’s purview.
This development comes after the withdrawal of an earlier “Clan Bill” to avoid contradictions with the existing Lineage Act.
The amended bill is expected to bring a balance between upholding traditional practices and ensuring proper regulation.