Meghalaya Governor Ganga Prasad will consult with the Meghalaya Government and the Ministry of Home Affairs before giving his assent to the Khasi Hill Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018.
The Second Amendment Bill was passed by the KHADC on July 25. The Bill sought to deny a Khasi woman the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and other privileges if she marries a non-Khasi man. Children born out of such wedlock cannot also claim benefits.
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On Friday evening, a delegation of women folk who are supporting the Bill met the Governor in Raj Bhavan to give his assent to the Bill.
The women came together under the banner of Saiñdur, Tipkur Tipkha, Ieng, Ehrngiew, Khun Hynñiewtrep (STTIEKH) in airing their support for the Bill.
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After meeting the Governor, Deiwi Tongper told reporters that the Governor has assured that he would study the Bill in detail and would also consult with the Meghalaya Government and the Ministry of Home Affairs before giving his assent.
“The Governor said that he would take a decision that will not hurt anybody,” she said.
The women group also said that they would also meet the State Government to pursue the matter.
Earlier during the day, the women group held a meeting at the Khasi National Dorbar Hall and voice out their support for the Bill.
Last week, a group of women who opposed Bill had also met the Governor and presented their views on the issue. They urged the Governor not to give his assent in haste.