The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has urged the Governor of Meghalaya, CH Vijayashankar, to grant assent to several important Bills that have already been passed by the Council.
The appeal was made on Thursday following a meeting between the KHADC’s Chief Executive Member (CEM), Pyniaid Sing Syiem and the Governor.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, CEM Pyniaid Sing Syiem informed that seven KHADC Bills are awaiting the Governor’s assent .
Of these, two are considered particularly significant. The first is the KHAD (Administration of Elaka) Amendment Bill, 2023 – aims to recognise the Seng Samla and Seng Longkmie in village functioning. The second is the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Amendment Bill, 2023, which seeks to collect and regulate clan (kur) data and streamline clan administration.
Syiem noted that research shows there are over 3,000 clan within the Khasi Hills, but these have yet to receive formal recognition. The new Bill mandates the establishment of a unified Clan system, though the role of the Clam leader remains unrecognized by KHADC.
On a positive note, the CEM shared that the Governor has assured his support, particularly for the two key Bills under discussion.
Another crucial Bill awaiting assent is the KHAD (Regulation and Administration of Land) Rules, 2023. This Bill follows the passage of the Land Act in 2021 and is needed to implement land registration and protection measures across the Khasi Hills.
Other pending Bills include the KHAD (Regulation and Administration of Land) Amendment Bill, 2024, the KHAD (Fisheries Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Regulation of Trading by Non-Tribals Amendment Rules, 2023 and the KHAD (Autonomous Districts Nomination and Election of Lyngdoh and Myntri, Lyngdoh Raid and Sohiong Lyngdohship) Bill.
