Mizoram: CADC passes bill to regulate cremation and burial practices

Aizawl: The Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in Mizoram has passed a bill to regulate the cremation and burial of dead bodies.

The Chakma Autonomous District Council (Management and Control of Cremation and Burial Grounds) Bill, 2024 was introduced by the Chakma Council Chief Executive Member (CEM) Rasik Mohan Chakma on behalf of Executive Member (EM) in charge of LAD, Lakkhan Chakma.

While introducing the bill,  Rasik Mohan Chakma said that the bill, when enacted, will regulate the cremation and burial of dead bodies and ensure proper management and control of common cremation sites in each village.

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He highlighted the age-old traditional practice among Chakmas of having common cremation grounds in villages, and how the increasing practice of cremation and burial of dead bodies on private lands near residential areas, is adversely affecting public health and hygiene.

Chakma said that the enactment of a regulation to curb this unhealthy practice was the “need of the hour”.

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In its first sitting of the ongoing budget session on Tuesday, the Chakma council also passed 'The Chakma Autonomous District Council (Constitution, Conduct of Business, etc.) (Seventh Amendment) Rules, 2024' which proposed several amendments to the existing CADC (CCB etc.) Rules, 2002, for effective functioning of the CADC.

One of the notable provisions was the introduction of a new Chakma version of the Oath of Affirmation to be made by members as well as the Oath of Secrecy for Executive Members of CADC.