SHILLONG: The State Cabinet on Friday discussed the draft of the proposed of the Regulation of Landlords and Tenants Verification Bill.
“We are going to notify the draft of the proposed bill on October 3 before it is place in the public domain for their views and suggestions,” Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma informed after a Cabinet meeting on Friday.
Stating that the proposed bill will provide an effective mechanism to ‘put into the loop’ local authorities like traditional institutions, the Chief Minister said, “The Government will notify who will be the local authorities. Enforcing agency along with local authorities will have a mechanism, mandated through the law to deal with various aspects of the law.”
He, however, said that the Government has used the word landlord in the bill since its definition will be much more exhaustive and capable of covering all those people who provide accommodation in their premises.
“It is much more inclusive. It will regulate even those who facilitate people who come and stay whether illegally or whatever. Illegal immigration and influx is not confined to cities and towns but goes beyond,” he said.
“We are proposing a legislative measure where we will incorporate within this law itself that enforcement of this legislative measure will be legally binding on the enforcing agencies,” the Chief Minister said, while pointing out that a number of laws have been enacted, but enforcement remained a concern. “Legislating is not enough. Enforcement is also required,” he said.
“There are only two instruments by which people can come and stay in the State – one is by purchase of land and another is by staying as tenants or otherwise,” he said, adding that the bill would regulate the manner which people stay here even if they cannot buy their own land.
“Besides, the act would also create an environment to integrate existing laws with the proposed law,” Dr. Sangma said.
