By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government will request the Parliamentary Standing Committee to exempt Meghalaya from the purview of the proposed National Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2011.
Announcing the Government’s decision, Revenue Minister Prof RC Laloo said that the State Cabinet has decided to ask the Parliamentary Standing Committee to exempt Meghalaya from the purview of the proposed Bill due to the complex land transfer system being followed in the State.
According to Prof Laloo, the State Government will appraise the Centre that the State already has in place the Meghalaya Land Transfer (Regulation) Act, 1971 which controls transfer of land from an indigenous to a non-indigenous resident.
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council has already expressed its concern over the Draft National Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2011, fearing that it might affect the jurisdiction over land belonging to tribals in the State. Besides, in Meghalaya, the land belongs to the community and the clans and the State Government does not have ownership of the land.
The proposed National Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill proposes a unified legislation for acquisition of land and adequate rehabilitation mechanisms for all affected persons and replaces the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.
The draft Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on September 7, 2011 by Union Minister for Rural Development, CP Joshi.
However, the Bill was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for suggestions and proper scrutiny since the clauses of the Bill were complex in nature.
Cabinet approves the list of holidays for the calendar year 2012. The list remains same as in 2011.
Cabinet approves the revision of Rules for the occupation of Circuit Houses. The revision was pending for a long time.
Cabinet approves the appointment of a retired special duty officer to look into the anomalies of the Fourth Pay Commission.
Cabinet approves a minor Amendment in the sale of petroleum products, motor spirits and lubricants.
Cabinet amends the provision of the Rule 6(2) of the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act which will facilitate the circulation of notification regarding the transfer of land from one person to another. Under the amendment, the notification would be published in newspapers for wide publicity and people can file their objections if they have. Presently, the notifications are put in the notice board of the Deputy Commissioner.
Cabinet approves the Meghalaya Training policy for Government employees to undergo training sponsored by the respective departments.
The State Cabinet has approved the appointment of two junior coaches for table tennis. The proposal was brought to the Cabinet by the Sports and Youth Affairs department.