By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Social Organisations of Meghalaya Against Land Alienation (SOMALA) has demanded status quo on the issue of land allotment to universities in the State.
SOMALA’s demand comes after the government revoked its earlier Executive Order (EO) which prohibited transfer of land to non-tribal entities.
The main reason for revoking the order was to allow the private universities to acquire and purchase land in the State.
As per the notification on March 30 2011, the government has issued an EO which put on hold the transfer of land to non-tribal entities as per the Meghalaya Land Transfer (Regulation) Act, 1971.
Interestingly, the Government on August 24 last issued another order revoking its earlier executive order as far as setting up of educational institutions and universities in the state.
“In view of the provisions contained in the Meghalaya Private Universities (Regulation of Establishment and Maintenance of Standards) Act 2012 to regulate the transfer of land to private universities set up under the act, the Government of Meghalaya is pleased to relax this department order dated 30 March 2011 in respect of transfer of land to non tribal entities which include companies, societies and NGOs engaged in the field of education, subject to the condition that the size of the land sought to be transferred commensurate with the actual requirement of such institutions or universities,” the Government notification stated.
The order also stated that in respect to the educational or cademic institutions which are not governed by the provisions of the Meghalaya Private Universities Act 2012, it is further stipulated that if the land is not utilised for the specified purpose (educational) within a period of two years, then it shall be reverted to the owners or lessors on such terms and conditions as agreed upon.
The latest order interestingly stated that the previous order issued on March 30 in its “original form” will continue to be applicable and operational in so far as the Ri-Bhoi district is concerned.
“We would protest against the relaxation of the Government EO,” the SOMALA said in a statement.