Shillong, Dec 23: The purported media report about granting schedule tribe status to the Khasi family practising patriarchal system of clan lineage is unfounded as reflected in the government’s letter no. SW(S) 82/ 2011/ Pt.I/ 122 dated 17th November, 2020.
The letter by the Under Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Social Welfare Department to the Deputy Commissioners of East and West Khasi Hills Districts vividly mentioned about the interdepartmental consultation with the District Council Affairs and Law Department, which resolved to adhere with the prevailing customary practice and deviation will not be entertained.
Further, the District Level Committee is entrusted to take suitable action on the matter, quote ‘to decide each application expeditiously and issue or reject Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe Certificates in respect of all applicants including those persons whose both parents are Khasi/ Tribe but taken father’s Surnames/ Title asper documents available and procedures laid down by passing a speaking order in each case’, unquote.
Therefore, the resentment, apprehension and speculation that triggered debates and criticism in sections of the society, which had also gone viral on several social media platforms, are put to rest. According to an investigation, the Government letter is available with SP News Agency and Media Plus with the actual report as per government’s order.
