Shillong, Sept 12: A delegation of women urged the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) not to consider a move to pass a similar lineage bill as it was done by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), which seeks to deny ST status to Khasi women who marry men from outside the tribe.
The delegation comprised of Civil Society Women’s Organization (CSWO) leaders, women from Jowai, Shangpung and Nongkhroh.
The delegation met JHADC chief executive member, Madonbai Rymbai at Jowai and expressed concern if a Bill similar to that of the KHADC is also passed by the JHADC.
CSWO President Agnes Kharshiing informed that the CEM has assured that there was no such intention, and the Council was of the opinion that all views and opinions should come from the Seng Kur and village heads.
“He (Rymbai) told us that the Seng Kur and village heads should provide feedback so that there is proper debate (on the issue) and only then the JHADC will sit to discuss,†Kharshiiing said.
Quoting Rymbai, Kharshiing said, “The CEM felt that Bills should be first kept in public domain and told us that many Bills were passed only to be rejected by Courts if found unconstitutional. He assured nothing which is unconstitutional will be done.â€
According to Kharshiing, the JHADC chief also informed the delegation that the priority of his Executive Committee was how to generate revenue, to tackle Benami which is rampant in Jaiñtia Hills.