Shillong, March 13: The Maitshaphrang has decided to garner public support for the proposed amendment of the Meghalaya Succession to Self-Acquired Property, Khasi and Jaintia Special Provision Act, 1986. Michael Syiem, the Convener of the organization, shared that the proposed amendment aims to strengthen the state’s economy, particularly in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.

He said the unequal distribution of property among siblings in Khasi and Jaintia society has caused disguised unemployment and led to a rise in youth unemployment. In a matrilineal society where only the youngest daughters inherit property, male youths face financial instability and cannot start businesses, which allows outsiders to come in and participate in the state’s economic activities.

Syiem clarified that once the self-acquired property is passed down to the youngest daughter, it automatically becomes ancestral property.

To ensure gender equity in property distribution, Maitshaphrang will campaign for an amendment to the Meghalaya Succession to Self-acquired and Ancestral Property, Khasi and Jaintia Special Provision Act, 1986.

He said that the word ‘equitable’ means fair and just and the distribution of property will depend on the wisdom of the parents to give to whom and how much.

“If the parents feel that the property should go to the youngest daughter this act will not prevent them but if parents feel that the other children should also be given property then this law will allow them by will to give a part of their property,” he added.