Shillong, Sept 17: A Consulative Committee constituted by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has decided to stick to the “spirit” of the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (Amendment) Bill.

The Bill seeks to deny Schedule Tribe (ST) status to Khasi women who marry non-Khasis.

The 17-member Consultative Committee was tasked to make recommendations after an in-depth study of the provisions of the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1977.

Chairman of the Consultative Committee, Manstudy Nongrem told reporters on Monday after chairing its second sitting that the Committee has decided to stick to the spirit of the amendment Bill.

“Before submitting its recommendations to the executive committee of the Council, the committee would also invite views and suggestions from all stakeholders,” Nongrem said.

“We are working hard to give shape to the recommendations in the form of a Bill and complete the process at the earliest so that the same can be placed in the House in the upcoming session of the Council,” Nongrem said.

The Consultative committee will again hold its sitting on September 24.

Nongrem said that meeting on Monday has also decided to co-opt W. Kharkrang, a retired secretary of the Council, who was part of framing the Act, 1977, as member of the committee.

Earlier on the request of the KHADC, the state government had returned the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) first and second amendment Bills.

Llegal adviser to the EC, Erwin K Syiem, who is also the member of the committee, said that the Committee wanted to ensure that the proposed Bill will be a ‘weapon’ to protect the indigenous community.

“Misusing of the Schedule Tribe (ST) certificates (by people from other community) will end. The rights and privileges of the indigenous community will be protected through due process of law,” he said.

On the JHADC that did not take part in the meeting, the Chairman said that the Council is still waiting for the decision of the Executive Committee of the JHADC.

“During the meeting held between the chief executive members (CEMs) of the two district councils, the JHADC had informed that it would first discuss the issue in the Executive Committee before sending representatives to be members of the Committee.